MCL Injury Treatment From the Orthopaedic Experts at Tampa Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group Serving Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Nearby FL Cities

MCL InjuryFor evaluation and treatment of an MCL injury, patients from Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and the surrounding Florida areas can receive personalized care from Tampa Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group. Our exceptional team of orthopaedic experts is led by Daniel Murphy, M.D., a Board-certified surgeon who serves as a team physician for the New York Yankees, and Arnold Ramirez, M.D., a Board-certified sports medicine doctor who serves as a team physician for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We offer state-of-the-art treatment options – both surgical and non-surgical – for a full range of musculoskeletal conditions and sport-related injuries, including MCL injury.

An MCL injury, or medial collateral ligament injury, affects the ligament on the inner side of the knee that keeps the shin bone, or tibia, in place and helps to stabilize the knee joint. This ligament can be stretched or partially or completely torn when the outside of the knee is pressured or stressed. One common cause of an MCL injury is trauma to the outer part of the knee that is sustained while a person is playing football or engaging in another athletic activity.

Patients in the Tampa, FL, area who are experiencing the symptoms of an MCL injury are encouraged to consult with the physicians at Tampa Orthopaedic. Those symptoms include:

  • Swelling
  • Pain at the inside of the knee
  • Locking or catching of the knee
  • A feeling that the knee will give way when moved or stressed

To diagnose an MCL injury, a physician at Tampa Orthopaedic will examine the affected knee and perform an MCL test to assess the laxity of the ligament. This test includes bending the knee to 25 degrees and exerting pressure on its outside surface. X-rays or an MRI might be ordered as well. Most MCL injuries heal on their own with conservative treatment, such as immobilization, rest, ice, and elevation. After the ligament heals, physical therapy can help a patient regain knee and leg strength.

If you have the symptoms of an MCL injury, or you are currently receiving treatment and experience increased instability, pain, or swelling in your knee, please contact Tampa Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group. We are pleased to see patients from Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and the surrounding FL communities.