The knee is a complex joint where the thighbone (femur) meets the shinbone (tibia). Strong tissues called ligaments connect these bones together. Ligaments also keep the bones aligned so the knee bends only how it is supposed to. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) runs across the knee joint on the medial (inner) side of the leg. Injury to this ligament may be very painful. The knee may also not work the way it should.
Causes of an MCL sprain
An MCL sprain often happens when the knee joint is pushed beyond its normal range of motion. It's most common during a blow to the knee from the outside, pushing the knee inward. It may also happen if the knee is forced into a twist. These movements stretch and tear the MCL. Other parts of the knee may be damaged along with the MCL.
Knee sprains are graded by the amount of ligament damage:
-
Grade 1. There is mild damage to the ligament, but the knee joint is still stable.
-
Grade 2. The ligament is stretched and loose. This is called a partial tear.
-
Grade 3. There is a complete tear to the ligament, and the knee joint is unstable.
Symptoms of an MCL sprain
These include:
-
Knee pain.
-
Knee swelling.
-
Limited range of motion of the joint.
-
Wobbly or unstable feeling in the joint.
Treatment for an MCL sprain
Treatment will depend on the severity of the sprain and whether there is damage to other parts of the knee. Choices often include:
-
Rest. This allows the knee to heal. Don't do any activities that stress the knee. Crutches, a knee brace, or both may also be recommended for a short time.
-
Cold packs and elevation of the knee. These help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
-
Compression. The knee may be wrapped with a bandage to help reduce swelling.
-
Medicines. These help relieve pain and swelling.
-
Exercises. These help improve the knee’s stability, strength, and range of motion.
If the injury is severe or several parts of the joint are involved, surgery may be a choice. Surgery repairs the MCL and any other damaged structures.
When to contact your doctor
Contact your health care provider right away if you have:
-
Pain, swelling, or instability that doesn’t get better with treatment or gets worse.
-
New symptoms.
Author: Michels, Karen
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Bone and Joint Care
Find expert care for joint pain, injuries, and conditions that affect how you move at the HPH Bone & Joint Centers.
Learn MoreRelated Articles
Understanding Lateral Epicondylitis
This condition, also called tennis elbow, is an inflammation around the bony knob (lateral epicondyle) on the outer side of the elbow. It occurs when the tissue that attaches muscle to the bone becomes irritated.
Understanding Lumbosacral Strain
Lumbosacral strain is a medical term for an injury that causes low back pain. The lumbosacral area (low back) is between the bottom of the ribcage and the top of the buttocks. A strain is tearing of muscles and tendons.
Rib Contusion or Minor Fracture
A rib fracture (bone break) may cause the same symptoms as a rib contusion. Treatment for both is the same.
Open Finger Fracture
You have a broken finger (fracture) with a nearby cut, puncture, or deep scrape. This causes local pain, swelling, and bruising. Because of the open injury, you are at risk for infection in the skin and bone. You will take antibiotics to lower the risk for infection.
