MCL sprains can be nasty. If you’ve suffered from one before, you know just how painful and debilitating they can be. The good news is that MCL sprains can often heal on their own over time, but it depends on the severity of the injury. In this blog post, we’ll explore what MCL sprains are, how they occur and whether or not they can go away on their own. We’ll also take a look at some treatment options that can help alleviate the pain and speed up the healing process.
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is located on the inside of the knee joint and helps stabilize the knee. An MCL sprain occurs when there’s a tear in the ligament due to excessive force being placed on it. This can happen during sports, falls or other activities that involve sudden changes of direction or twisting of the knee. MCL sprains are common in athletes who play sports that involve running, jumping and cutting such as soccer, basketball, and football.
The severity of an MCL sprain can vary from minor to severe, depending on the extent of the tear. Minor sprains may heal on their own with rest and ice, while more severe sprains may require physical therapy or even surgery. If you’ve suffered an MCL sprain, it’s important to get it checked out by a medical professional to determine the severity of the injury and the best course of treatment.
One treatment option for MCL sprains is physiotherapy. Physiotherapy can help reduce pain and inflammation, as well as improve range of motion and strength. Your physiotherapist may use a combination of exercises, manual therapy, and modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation to aid in your recovery. They’ll also work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that’s tailored to your specific needs.
Another treatment option is chiropractic care. Chiropractors can help alleviate pain and promote healing by adjusting the spine and other affected joints. They may also use techniques such as trigger point therapy or acupuncture to help reduce pain and inflammation. Like physiotherapy, chiropractic care can be a valuable part of your treatment plan and can help speed up the healing process.
Rest and ice are also essential components of MCL sprain treatment. Resting the knee can give the ligament time to heal and prevent further damage. Icing the knee for 15-20 minutes at a time can help reduce pain and swelling. Compression and elevation can also be helpful in reducing inflammation.
So, do MCL sprains go away on their own? The answer is that it depends on the severity of the injury. Minor sprains may heal on their own with rest and ice, while more severe sprains may require more extensive treatment. The most important thing to do if you’ve suffered an MCL sprain is to get it checked out by a medical professional. They can help determine the severity of the injury and the best course of treatment. Physiotherapy and chiropractic care can both be effective in treating MCL sprains, along with rest, ice, compression, and elevation. With proper treatment and a little bit of patience, you’ll be back on your feet in no time.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Tyler Baron, BASc, DC or another Kitchener chiropractor at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
