Medial
collateral ligament (MCL)
Signs or Symptoms
Instability of the inside of the knee with ache, pain, tenderness and swelling
depending on the degree of injury.
Description
The MCL stabilizes the knee joint and prevents the knee from buckling inwards.
The ligament runs across the inside (medial aspect) of the knee in a vertical
direction when standing
Causes
Usually it is injured from stress to the outer side of the knee as being hit.
It can also occur from repeated stress as in a chronic over pronating ankle or
pelvic instability.
Standard treatment
Rest, anti-inflammatory medications and bracing are the most used. Surgery is
done when complete tearing of the ligament occurs.
AK Approach
The medial collateral ligament can be injured by either immediate direct trauma
or by repeated micro trauma. If the injury occurred from a single trauma, the
examination is directed immediately to the severity of the injury and is
surgery indicated. Otherwise, the examination is more general as to the total
functioning of the lower extremity. As the knee can be adversely effected by
problems in the ankle and foot or the pelvis above it. The examination begins
by looking for factors in these areas that would adversely affect knee
stability. Locally, the stability of the major ligaments of the knee are then
tested for. The muscles that support the knee are evaluated to find the ones
that are malfunctioning. These are corrected and then tested for the need of
corrective exercises. The attention is then shifted to the localized structures
that are injured and failing to support the knee joint properly. These can
include specialized treatments for ligaments, muscles, skin and joints.
Finally, attention is directed to corrective procedures that can help
coordinate the muscles to help prevent future injuries. Nutritional therapies
aimed at increasing factors that would speed healing and reduce any
inflammation are considered. Other lifestyle modifications are used to prevent
or minimize exacerbating the condition. A specific program for your needs is
created.