Will a knee brace help a torn MCL?

Will a knee brace help a torn MCL?

A knee brace can help to prevent any sideways movement of the knee joint and protect the MCL from strain and pressure. If an MCL tear is severe, a doctor may recommend that a person use crutches to avoid putting weight on the knee joint. Resting the knee after an MCL tear can help speed up healing.

Do you need a brace for a torn MCL?

What is the treatment? Most MCL injuries can be treated at home with rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medicine. Your doctor may suggest that you use crutches and wear a brace that protects but allows for some movement of your knee. You may need to reduce your activity for a few weeks.

What kind of brace is used for MCL tear?

For grade III MCL tears, patients will be placed in a hinged knee brace and use crutches until pain has subsided. The knee may be immobilized for a few days, but early range of motion will help with the healing process.

Is compression good for MCL?

Place ICE on the inside of your knee for 10-20 minutes every 1.5 to 2 hours for the first 2 to 3 days or until the pain goes away. COMPRESS the area by using a knee wrap with a compression bandage. This helps decrease swelling and bleeding.

Is walking good for MCL injury?

Your physical therapist may advise you to: Rest the area by avoiding walking or any activity that causes pain. Crutches and a knee brace may be recommended to reduce further strain on the MCL when walking.

How can I tell if I tore my ACL or MCL?

Although the symptoms are similar, a few key differences will help you identify whether the injury affected the ACL or MCL. An ACL tear will have a more distinctive and loud popping sound than an MCL tear . Additionally, the location of your pain and swelling could indicate either an ACL or MCL tear.

Does a MCL tear heal able on its own?

While an MCL tear can be extremely painful, the good news is that the tear usually heals on its own after a few weeks of rest. While there are no figures available on how many MCL injuries occur each year, it is considered the most common type of knee injury.

What are the long term effects of a MCL tear?

Long-term effects of a MCL injury depend on the extent of the original damage and how well the knee heals. If the ligament remains loose, the knee will feel unstable. There will be a tendency for the joint to give way possibly leading to re-injury.

What is the difference between an ACL tear and a MCL tear?

The main difference between an ACL tear and an MCL tear is that an ACL tear will have a distinctive popping sound, while an MCL tear will not. MCL tears are typically easier to recover from than ACL tears. With an MCL tear, the recovery process may take up to eight weeks or more with rehabilitation.