Latest article from Mark Roe Sports Physio Academy
You may have heard footballer managers talking about an injured player who has ‘done his medial’ or ‘torn his MCL’ but never understood what they are talking about, so I thought I’d clear that up for you today.
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) runs on the side of the knee attaching to the bottom of the thigh and top of the shin. It provides stability to the knee joint, and it’s purpose is to resist forces which push the knee inwards. In football these forces mainly come from a tackle on the outside of the knee which pushes it inwards towards the other leg. It can also happen when, after kicking the ball, the leg which is in the air is kicked on the inside pushing the foot outwards and forcing the knee inwards.
After the injury, the knee may feel weak like it may give way when walking. There is likely to be pain on the inside of the knee. On the day after the injury, there may be some swelling around the knee joint and often people complain that the knee feels 'tight'. Occasionally some people report the knee feeling a little 'numb' immediately after the injury. This usually subsides quite quickly.
With regards to the swelling, if your knee swells immediately with an injury, always go straight to A&E as this can indicate bleeding in the knee from a torn cartilage or chipped bone.
Depending on the severity of the damage it may take anything from a few days to a few months to heal. It’s always worth getting the injury checked out as the ligament is attached to the cartilage so in some cases the cartilage can be damaged as well.
As always, if you get this type of injury remember to follow the P.R.I.C.E. protocol of protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation in the first 48 hours. Then you can start to exercise to improve strength and flexibility of the joint and surrounding muscles.
The main supporting muscle around the MCL is the Vastus Medialis muscle which some people call the 'teardrop' muscle. Always look to strengthen this, but don't forget to work on strengthening hamstrings, glutes (buttock muscles), calfs and thigh muscles.
If any rehabilitation activities cause the knee to swell or become more painful always go back to P.R.I.C.E. and see a Chartered Physiotherapist to check the joint out.
As further commitment from the league to our players' fitness we have negotiated a discount for all players of the Sheffield and District Junior Sunday Football League who attend the clinic for treatment. Players from any team in the League will receive a discount of £10 off their initial consultation following injury, and further discounts should follow-up sessions be required.
Mark Roe
Senior Sports Physiotherapist
The Mark Roe Sports Physio Academy - Sheffield
0114 2390022