Medial collateral ligament sprain treatment

Introduction

Medial collateral ligament sprain or tear is one of the most common types of knee related medical problems, and it may affect any person in the world. It commonly affects those who indulge in various different types of contact sports, and the injury may occur anytime, anywhere.

The medial collateral ligament is on the inside surface of the knee. It is one of the flat ligaments and its main purpose is to connect the upper leg none to the lower leg bone. Femur is the medicinal name for the upper leg bone, while the lower leg bone is medicinally referred to as tibia. Another important purpose of this ligament is to provide the knee joint with the much-needed stability. When the medial collateral ligament gets stretched excessively or its fibers get torn, it is a medical condition referred to as a sprain. This injury may be only a slight stretch, but in some cases the ligament may be ruptured completely.

A medial collateral ligament sprain can also be triggered by a sudden blow to the lateral aspect of the knee joint. In some cases, the knee can become collapsed inwards, towards the midline of the body. The ligament gets stretched, and the severity of the injury depends on the movement. Medial collateral ligament sprain can be characterized rather easily by painful sensations which occur around the inside of the knee joint. Additional symptoms which may also occur in some cases include swelling, tenderness, bruising and several others.

Treatment Options

Immediately after the injury, one needs to elevate the affected leg and apply an ice pack to the affected area. These are the home remedies which may alleviate the symptoms of the condition to a certain extent. In most cases of medial collateral ligament sprain, surgical intervention is commonly considered as the last option, if all other treatment options fail.

Various different types of knee braces can be very helpful in promoting the health of the injured ligament because they do not allow the movements which actually caused the injury in the first place to be repeated. Braces are also very efficient in helping the knee stabilize itself and providing the much-needed support, so the sufferer may continue with his or her daily activities. Braces are also a much cheaper option than the surgical intervention. Some models of knee braces can also be custom-made to fit the individual needs of the patient.