How long is rehab for a torn MCL?
Recovery time for an MCL injury depends on the severity of the damage. On average, these injuries take six weeks to heal. No matter the grade of the tear, initial treatment focuses on immobilizing the knee and reducing pain and inflammation.
When should I start physical therapy after MCL tear?
three weeks after injury (grade 1) weeks following injury, the pain is usually subsiding and the swelling is lessened. You can now try to stretch the knee to regain motion. Stationary cycle, swimming (flutter kick only) and the following exercise program are recommended.
Can you rehab a torn MCL?
The majority of MCL tears are isolated injuries and many times are treated non-operatively. With a proper MCL injury rehabilitation protocol, even a complete MCL tear should completely heal.
How do I know when my MCL is healed?
According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), it may take 2 weeks for a minor injury to the MCL to heal. A more severe tear could take 2 months or more. Recovery usually means being able to walk without limping or move the knee fully without pain.
How long does swelling last after MCL tear?
Recovery Time for MCL Injuries by Grades Grade 1 is the least severe due to the MCL only being agitated, but no severe damage. So the MCL recovery time is around 1 to 2 weeks, due to the time for the inflammation and irritation to go away.
What is the fastest way to recover from an MCL injury?
Resting the knee after an MCL tear can help speed up healing. People should avoid contact sports and movement that puts too much strain on the MCL until the injury heals fully. This can help to prevent further damage. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
How can I tell if I tore my ACL or MCL?
Although the symptoms are similar, a few key differences will help you identify whether the injury affected the ACL or MCL. An ACL tear will have a more distinctive and loud popping sound than an MCL tear . Additionally, the location of your pain and swelling could indicate either an ACL or MCL tear.
Does a MCL tear heal able on its own?
While an MCL tear can be extremely painful, the good news is that the tear usually heals on its own after a few weeks of rest. While there are no figures available on how many MCL injuries occur each year, it is considered the most common type of knee injury.
What are the long term effects of a MCL tear?
Long-term effects of a MCL injury depend on the extent of the original damage and how well the knee heals. If the ligament remains loose, the knee will feel unstable. There will be a tendency for the joint to give way possibly leading to re-injury.
Can you walk normally with a MCL tear?
Can you still walk with a torn MCL? Some individuals may be able to walk. The knee, however, can feel unstable. You may feel like the knee will lock up or buckle while trying to walk. Also, applying weight on the knee can become very painful. If you suspect a torn MCL, then you shouldn’t play or work through the pain. This may make the tear even worse.