Injuries are common in our active lives. As we move and exercise, it is possible to sprain muscles, ligaments, and joints. One common injury type is medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain. The MCL is a band of tissue that runs along the inner side of our knee joint, connecting the thigh bone to the shin bone. When the MCL gets stretched or torn, it can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility. However, not all MCL sprains are the same. Some are minor and can be treated easily, while others can be severe and require medical attention. In this post, we will discuss how to determine when an MCL sprain is serious and requires professional care.
The severity of the sprain
The first factor in identifying whether your MCL sprain is serious is to determine the severity of the injury. MCL sprains are categorized into three levels- grade 1, 2, and 3- based on how much the ligament has been damaged. Grade 1 sprains involve slight stretching of the MCL, grade 2 sprains are partial tears, and grade 3 sprains are complete tears. If you have a grade 1 sprain, you may feel some discomfort but should be able to walk without major pain or swelling. If you have a grade 2 or 3 sprain, walking may be difficult, and you may need to use crutches or brace to immobilize the knee.
Time of injury
When you first injure your MCL, it is essential to assess how severe the injury is. If you experience immediate swelling, extreme pain, and your movement is restricted, you should seek medical attention right away. You should also seek professional care if the pain and swelling don’t reduce with regular home care or if your knee feels unstable or clicks when you move it.
Underlying medical conditions
Having underlying medical conditions such as arthritis, hypermobility, or previous knee injuries can increase the severity of your MCL sprain. These conditions can make it harder for your body to recover and, in some cases, lead to joint instability or chronic pain. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should seek professional care as soon as possible after the injury to prevent further complications.
Pain and mobility levels
Your pain and mobility levels are an obvious indicator of how severe your MCL sprain is. If you can put weight on your injured leg and walk without severe pain or swelling, your sprain is likely not severe. However, if you are unable to put any weight on your injured leg, and your knee is significantly swollen or unstable, it is best to see a Kitchener Waterloo chiropractor at CARESPACE.
Duration and Healing
The final factor to determine whether your MCL sprain is severe is how long the injury has lasted. If you have mild pain and swelling and can walk without significant discomfort, your sprain may heal within a few weeks of home care. However, if your symptoms remain unchanged or worsen over time or if you experience instability or chronic pain, you should seek professional care as soon as possible.
MCL sprains are common injuries that can vary in severity from minor to severe. Determining whether your injury is severe or not requires some understanding of the factors that contribute to the severity of an MCL sprain. You can consider the severity of the sprain, the time of injury, your underlying medical condition, your pain and mobility levels, and the duration and healing time of your sprain. If you have any doubts or uncertainties, it is essential to seek professional care from a chiropractor. By taking the necessary care, you can recover from a severe MCL sprain and prevent further complications.
