Knee injuries can be very painful and physically debilitating. A contact hit to the outside of the knee, like in a football hit, can cause an injury to both the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the medial collateral ligament (MCL). Or they can occur separately. Either way, the likely treatment and outcomes for each of these knee injuries can be very different
ACL injuries:
The ACL has an important job to do. It attaches to the thigh bone (femur) and continues down through the knee joint and attaches to the shin bone (tibia). So it’s positioned perfectly to help provide stability to the knee joint, by preventing the femur from sliding too far forward. When you are doing an activity that involves rotating the knee joint, like pivoting and twisting, the ACL can allow for proper movement but keep the knee from moving out of place.
That’s why a torn ACL can have a significant impact on your knee’s function and stability. It makes it harder to do turning or pivoting motions. Other movements such as completely straightening your knee may be harder or impossible. Related problems can also develop from this injury, such as arthritis and cartilage tears.
An ACL tear can be very painful, and can also cause extensive swelling. You don’t want to continue your activity if you suspect you have an ACL injury. You should get to a doctor for a treatment plan. You may need to have a period of reducing the swelling, before any more involved treatment can begin.
Most frequently, reconstructive surgery will be recommended for a complete ACL tear, though this is not a complete fix. The tear cannot be completely repaired, even when the surgery sews the ends back together. Instead, the reconstructive surgery removes and grafts the torn ends.
MCL injuries:
The MCL also connects up with the femur and the tibia. It helps to prevent the inside of the knee joint from opening up, when there is stress or pressure on the outside of the knee. When working properly, the MCL can protect the knee from buckling and can provide stability to the joint. Usually this protection is needed from a hit or from excessive stretching.
Generally, an MCL tear is less painful than an ACL tear, but it still involves pain and swelling in the knee. The other major difference between the two is in the treatment and healing process. Unlike ACL tears, MCL tears are expected to heal quickly, and rarely require surgery.
Instead, the treatment is typically rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications to help heal and reduce swelling. Often regular activity can begin once the pain stops. If it’s a particularly bad sprain, then a knee brace may be recommended. And sometimes physical therapy or a moderate period away from regular activity can also be necessary for healing. But regardless, full recovery is expected for MCL injuries.
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