MCL Tears
It typically takes around six weeks to recover from an MCL injury. However, healing time will vary depending on the grade of injury. The first priority in achieving effective treatment involves a focus on easing knee pain and inflammation. It is also important to keep the knee stabilized to aid in recovery.
Icing the knee and rest, along with elevation, will help to reduce swelling and pain symptoms. You may also take pain relief medications such as ibuprofen. Keeping the knee immobilized in order to restrict side-to-side movement is typically achieved with a brace. This allows the patient to continue backward and forward movement of the joint.
Dr. Nic Gay or Dr. Masi Reynolds may recommend complete immobilization of the knee joint. This treatment path will restrict your ability to squat or kneel, which will mean making lifestyle adjustments during the recovery period. Rehabilitation can begin once the worst of your pain symptoms have eased off. Treatment is often modified during rehabilitation if pain and swelling reoccur.
Surgical Options for MCL Tears
While a conservative approach to treating MCL tears is usually effective, joint instability may persist if the injury does not heal as expected. Further rest, use of a brace and physical therapy may improve outcomes. However, in rare cases, you may require surgery to repair damage to the ligament or surrounding areas of the knee that have suffered injury.
Dr. Nic Gay and Dr. Masi Reynolds will ensure that you are fully involved in guiding your own treatment at Silicon Valley Orthopaedics. To have the best possible outcomes from treatment after an MCL tear, an effective relationship between the doctor and patient is essential. At Silicon Valley Orthopedics, all patients receive individualized care according to their needs.
An MCL tear can significantly impact your knee’s stability and function. Schedule a consultation with a board-certified knee surgeon at Silicon Valley Orthopaedics. Known for exceptional care and expertise, we serve patients in Los Gatos, San Jose, Santa Cruz, Fremont, and San Francisco. Let us guide you toward recovery with personalized treatment plans. Call us today to schedule your visit!