What should you know about an MCL tear injury?

The medial collateral ligament connects the thigh bone to the shin bone and helps control side-to-side knee movement. An injury may range from stretched fibres to a more extensive tear. Inner-knee pain, swelling, tenderness and a feeling of giving way can occur, especially when turning or placing weight on the leg. A clinician may examine stability and ask how the injury happened; imaging is considered when another injury is suspected.

Protect the knee from movements that increase pain and use a comfortable walking pattern. Ice wrapped in cloth, elevation and a clinician-approved pain plan may help during the early phase. A [Knee Bracing](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/knee-bracing/) plan can support the joint when appropriate. [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/) can restore movement, strength and control progressively. Returning to cutting, jumping or contact sport should follow a graded [Return-to-Sport Programme](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/return-to-sport-programme/).

Arrange prompt assessment after a significant twist, direct blow or fall, particularly if the knee feels unstable, swelling appears quickly, or you cannot bear weight. Seek urgent help for a cold or pale foot, new numbness, severe deformity, or pain that is rapidly worsening. Persistent inner-knee pain also deserves assessment because more than one knee structure can be injured.

Could this be a partial or complete MCL tear? Which movements should I avoid now? Do I need a brace, imaging or supervised physiotherapy? What signs show that I can safely increase walking, work or sport?