MCL Tear Grade III and Complete Tear
Treatment of grade III
MCL tears is very dependent on the location and severity of the tear. Your physician will discuss your treatment plan at length and make recommendations appropriate to the degree of injury. S/he will monitor your progress at each visit and implement changes to your rehab.
Complete tear of the MCL
- Significant pain and swelling
- Difficulty bending the knee
- Commonly complain of instability
- Rest. Abstain from sports and follow protocol prescribed by your physician
- Ice. Apply ice packs over a thin cloth for 20 minutes, 2-3 times a day.
- Compression. Applying an ace wrap may decrease swelling and help to control pain.
- Elevate. Elevate the affected extremity above the level of your heart with a pillow.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil or Aleve may be helpful in minimizing swelling and controlling pain.
- Incorporate a stretching program as part of your routine work-out, as instructed by your physician. Initially passive range of motion exercises, progressing to active range of motion exercises for strengthening. Incorporate exercises to regain quad strength.
- Exercises will be discussed and prescribed by your physician.
Upon gradual return to activity, apply ice following activity. Possible use of a knee brace, as prescribed by your physician. Return to activity and sports can be prolonged and will be dependent on degree and severity of tear. In some cases, surgery may be indicated if appropriate healing does not occur. In such cases, your physician will discuss potential surgery and anticipated rehab with you. Following surgery, a referral to formal physical therapy will be made by your physician.
