MCL
Knee Ligament Injury & Football

The knee ligament on the inner side of the knee
is the Medial Collateral Ligament or the MCL. This ligament
links the thigh and the shin bone. MCL injury happens when
the knee is subjected to a force or when the ligament is twisted.
The Medial Collateral Ligament is the connection
between the thigh bone and the shin bone. Damage to the MCL
is called a sprain. This is classified according to the extent
of damage on the ligament. This includes:
The injury is often caused by damage to the
Medial ligament when a force is applied to the outside part
of the leg, just above the knee. A stud caught in a turf also
cause damage to the medial ligament when the player will try
to turn to his side away from the trapped leg.
How Do We Know its MCL
Knee Ligament Injury?
A 1st degree sprain will show signs of pain
at the area of damage. Slightly bending the knee is somewhat
painful and is aggravated when the person stands up from sitting.
A 2nd degree sprain presents a more severe pain
when the knee is touched or when the ligament is stressed.
Swelling of the knee joint will take 24 hours to appear.
A 3rd degree sprain presents an unstable knee
and activities are usually not tolerated. Bleeding may also
happen but this may not be evident.
How Do
We Treat MCL Knee Ligament Injury?
Protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation
are the immediate intervention done for this kind of injury.
Medications prescribed by the doctor are necessary for pain
relief. Resting the knee and elevating its position is a must.
A cohesive bandage aids in compressing the area and preventing
swelling.
1st degree sprains require 3 weeks of rest.
2nd degree sprains need 6-8 weeks of rehabilitation under
a physiotherapist.
In 3rd degree sprains, the doctor will usually advise a reconstructive
surgery which depends on the location of the injury and the
surgeon’s preference.
Knee braces are very useful for people suffering
from this kind of injury. This supports the knee at the early
stages of the injury and protects the ligament in later stages
of the injury. An ideal method to maintain fitness while on
rehabilitation is running in the pool with the help of a buoyancy
aid.

Click
here to view buoyancy jackets for water therapy
How Do We Prevent MCL
Knee Joint Injury?
The best advice that can be given for rugby
and football players is to throw the ball earlier. A
knee brace provides an increased knee stability and reassurance.
Compliance of the rehabilitation programme under
a physiotherapist will speed up healing. Treatment should
include more proprioception exercises. In continuing proprioception
exercises at Football Injury Home, the use of a wobble board
is advised.

View
Wobble Board
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