MCL sprain, or Medial Collateral Ligament sprain, is a common knee injury that many athletes and active individuals experience. It occurs when the ligament on the inner side of the knee is stretched or torn due to sudden twisting, bending or direct impact. While MCL sprains can cause pain and discomfort, they can be managed effectively with proper care and treatment. In this blog post, we will discuss the many ways you can treat MCL sprains with tips from both a physiotherapist and a chiropractor.
Rest and Ice
The first step in fixing an MCL sprain is to rest your knee and apply ice to reduce swelling. This should be done as soon as possible after the injury occurs. Resting your knee means avoiding any activities that put stress on it such as running, jumping or playing sports. Applying ice for 15-20 minutes every few hours will help reduce inflammation and pain.
Compression
Compression is another important step in managing MCL sprains. A compression bandage can be wrapped around the affected area to provide support and reduce swelling. This should not be too tight as it may restrict blood flow.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways to manage an MCL sprain. A physiotherapist in Kitchener or Waterloo at CARESPACE can develop an exercise program tailored to your specific needs which may include strengthening exercises for your thigh muscles (quadriceps) and hamstrings, stretching exercises for your calf muscles, balance training exercises, and range of motion exercises.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is another option for managing MCL sprains. A chiropractor can perform joint mobilization techniques to improve joint range of motion and reduce pain.
Bracing
In some cases, a brace may be recommended to provide support and stability to the knee while it heals. There are many types of braces available, including hinged braces that allow for some movement and immobilizing braces that restrict movement.
These sprains can be painful and frustrating, but MCL sprains can be treated effectively with proper care and treatment. Resting your knee, applying ice, using compression, physiotherapy, chiropractic care and bracing are all effective ways to manage MCL sprains. If you experience an MCL sprain, it is important to seek medical attention from a qualified healthcare professional such as a physiotherapist or chiropractor who can help you develop a personalized treatment plan. Remember to always listen to your body and avoid any activities that cause pain or discomfort until you have fully recovered.
