An MCL, or medial collateral ligament, sprain describes the partial or full tearing of the connective tissue fibers, often caused by a forceful blow to the outside of the knee. The rehabilitation process takes approximately three weeks, depending on the severity of the injury, according to NewYorkOrtho.com. Consult your physician and a physical therapist to develop a comprehensive treatment program that's tailored to your goals and needs.
Initial-Treatment Phase
The initial-treatment phase for a MCL sprain lasts about one week. Apply ice intermittently and wear an elastic compression wrap at all times during the first day to decrease any swelling, elevating the affected leg as often as possible. Stretch your hamstrings and quadriceps to tolerance and perform isometric quadriceps contractions and straight leg raises to prevent muscular atrophy. Continue these exercises throughout the first week and add leg curls and partial squats after two or three days. Additionally, start riding a stationary bike slowly after three days. Start walking with crutches as soon as you're able. Wear a knee brace when you perform any weight-bearing activities.
Restoring Range of Motion and Strength
Restoring any lost range of motion and strength due to the injury is the objective for the second phase of a rehabilitation program for an MCL sprain. Continue the exercises that you performed during the initial-treatment phase and add more knee flexion and extension exercises such as the full squat, the leg press, lunges and stepups, using your body weight, an elastic band or light dumbbells for resistance. Try to deepen the stretches progressively to restore your flexibility and pick up your pace on the stationary bike slightly. Running or walking in water may also be helpful. Begin jogging with a brace during the final few days of this phase.
Increasing Strength and Power
The third phase of a rehabilitation program for an MCL sprain involves increasing your strength and power to minimize your risk for recurring problems. Continue the aforementioned exercises, progressively increasing the intensity for each one. Ride the stationary bike at a moderate to fast pace for 30 to 40 minutes at a time. Begin agility, plyometric and sport-specific exercises during this phase if you're an athlete. Wear a brace if necessary, but try the activities without one if possible, particularly during the final days.
Maintenance Program
After you've fully recovered from an MCL sprain, continue training regularly to maintain the range-of-motion, strength and power gains that you made during the three rehabilitation-program phases. Perform flexibility exercises daily and strength- and power-building exercises two to three times per week on nonconsecutive days. Resume any athletic or recreational activities without limitations. Consult your doctor if you suffer any setbacks.
References
- "Essentials of Athletic Injury Management"; William Prentice and Daniel Arnheim; 2008
- NewYorkOrtho.com: Rehabilitation of Isolated MCL Sprains
- "NSCA's Essentials of Personal Training"; Roger Earle and Thomas Baechle; 2004
