MCL and LCL Tear or Sprain Treatment

A knee sprain can occur when any of the four ligaments that stabilize the knee joint are injured. The two ligaments that keep the knee joint from shifting side to side are the collateral ligaments. When the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) are stretched or torn, it can impact the function of the knee. Caliber Pain™ offers treatment for MCL and LCL tears or sprains at our medical facility in Midtown Manhattan.

Sports injuries are the most common causes of MCL and LCL tears or sprains. When the knee is impacted, especially while in motion, it is susceptible to stretching or tearing of any of the stabilizing ligaments. The medial collateral ligament protects the inside of the knee, attaching the tibia and femur on the inside of the kneecap. The lateral collateral ligament protects the outside of the knee, connecting on the opposite side of the kneecap. When the knee is pulled out of alignment sideways, these collateral ligaments can be torn or sprained, de-stabilizing the knee joint. With MCL and LCL tear injuries, the pain is felt either on the inside or outside of the knee.

Treatment for Collateral Ligament Knee Sprains

Most MCL and LCL tears or sprains occur when the knee is impacted. This can occur during an accident, but it most commonly happen during sports like basketball, football or soccer. Knee sprains can include stretching the collateral ligaments, and they may also include partial or complete tears. Treatment for MCL and LCL tears or sprains rarely requires surgery. Conservative treatments, including physical therapy, ice, interventional pain injections and regenerative medicine, can help relieve pain and improve recovery.

If you suffer a knee sprain involving the MCL or LCL, come visit our pain specialists at Caliber Pain™. We can help you restore your knee function and recover from a knee sprain at our facility in UES New York City.