Medial Collateral Ligament Sprain of the Knee
What it Effects
- The ligament on the inside of the knee
Who it Effects
- Common in football and rugby players
Mechanism of Injury
- Force applied to the outside the leg above the knee
- When the foot is fixed to the floor but the femur is turned inwards(internal rotation) especially if the tibia is slightly turned outwards (external rotation) e.g. this could occur if a player gets his studs stuck in the ground but goes to turn
Signs and Symptoms (Depend upon degree of sprain sustained)
- Pain
- Point tenderness
- Increased movement on valgus stress test
- Swelling
- Instability
- Pain reproduced on sit to stand
Treatment
- PRICE in acute stage of grade 1-3 sprain
- Proprioceptive exercises are a very important part of rehabilitation
- Crutches
- Ultrasound to break down formation of scar tissue and align collagen
- ROM (range of movement) exercises for ankle, knee and hip continued until there is full pain free ROM
- Isometric quad exercises e.g. SLR (straight leg raise) should be the first strengthening exercises attempted
- Cycling- a good non weight bearing activity to attempt once there is sufficient ROM
- Isotonic exercises can be attempted after isometric exercises are achieved to good standard. The resistance can be increased using theraband / machines
- When running is attempted it should first be running in straight lines and then gradually progressed
Additional Information
- Much more common than a Lateral Ligament Sprain
- Other structures commonly damaged such as the Menisci and Anterior Cruciate Ligament
If you have any questions, please use the comment form below or post a thread on the forums.