Mountain View Pain Center Doctors talk about MCL (medial collateral ligament) Injuries

Feb. 18, 2010 - PRLog -- This forces increased movement and stress to the medial portion of the knee, and when this occurs, the medial joint or most inside portion of the tibia and femur become slightly separated, stretching or possibly tearing the MCL. There are a number of scenarios in which skiers can stretch or tear an MCL.

First, beginner skiers generally learn to control their downhill motion with the “snowplow” technique, where they bend their knees inward making a triangle with their skis facing down the hill. This places a stress on the inside of the knee. While this alone will not cause a tear of the MCL, it can cause a stress and some discomfort for a few days after skiing, depending on the condition of the skier and the hill.

However, if the skier picks up any speed or simply has a fall with the knees bent in, then the risk for a sprain or strain of the MCL is greater. Injuries to the MCL are generally isolated and have no further damage to the rest of the knee.

Injuries to this area are classified in 3 grades

Grade 1- A slight sprain or stretching of the medial collateral ligament causing mild pain and tenderness over the area. This is a mild injury in many cases this will not necessarily keep the athlete out of competition. If the athlete is held out it is usually for less than 2 weeks.
Grade 2- An incomplete tear of the MCL, there is more pain and some slight instability. After a grade 2 injury the time away from sport will be around 2-4 weeks to allow proper healing.
Grade 3- A complete tear within the MCL causing pain and instability on the inside of the knee. The healing process for a complete tear can take up to 6 weeks or longer.

If you feel like you have any of these symptoms and would like a free exam or consulation please feel free to contact our doctors at info below
Mountain View Pain Center
303-221-1569
http://www.mountainviewpaincenter.com

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Here at Mountain View Pain Center we are committed to relieving your pain and restoring you to good health and wellness.