MCL Sprain: question on healing time.

by Justin
(Denver, CO )

I am in my mid 30's and I was diagnosed with some sort of MCL Sprain which occurred from standing up quickily from a kneeling position. I did not seek medical care (family dr.) for 3 weeks following the injury and had an MRI at that time.

Initial treatment was PT (mostly on my quad) and some electrotherapy for a month and ordered to wear a hinged brace during the day for several weeks after. All treatment was given by therapist.

Although the acute pain from normal walking has subsided I still have pain while bending for sleep and after driving for several miles. It has been nearly 3 months since the injury. Valgus pressure/stress still causes pain. The knee just doesn't feel as stable as my other one.

Should I seek a 2nd opinion from a orthopedic doctor since I never consulted with one initially or just give it more time?

Is this common for the pain to last this long?

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MCL Sprain: question on healing time.

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Jul 01, 2008
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I would refer you to an ortho
by: Bart - SII

If you were my patient, I would refer you for an orthopedic consult, just to be on the safe side. With that said, they will most likely take a look at your previous MRI, ask about your therapy, and then recommend that you continue with what you are doing and give it time. So, for peace of mind, you might want a second opinion, or you can give it more time.

It isn't uncommon for an MCL sprain, especially a grade II or III sprain to be tender to the touch and with valgus stress for several months. This is very true if the first 3 weeks were not spent immobilized, as this is when the ligament is going through the scar formation process and trying to tighten itself down. You probably have some laxity in the ligament, which is why your knee feels less stable than the other side.

You probably also need to work on your hip and core strength, especially stabilizing during activities...I would recommend talking with your PT or physician about exercises that you can do to work on improving your hip abductors and external rotators - these muscles will have a direct impact on how much stress the MCL is under with activities.

Unfortunately, I do not yet have a lot of specific exercises on the website for hip and core strengthening - I hope to add them in the near future. So talk to your PT about them in the meantime.

Hope this helps - comment back if you have other questions.

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Jul 01, 2008
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Submitted by: Bart - SII

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If you were my patient, I would refer you for an orthopedic consult, just to be on the safe side. With that said, they will most likely take a look at your previous MRI, ask about your therapy, and then recommend that you continue with what you are doing and give it time. So, for peace of mind, you might want a second opinion, or you can give it more time. It isn't uncommon for an MCL sprain, especially a grade II or III sprain to be tender to the touch and with valgus stress for several months. This is very true if the first 3 weeks were not spent immobilized, as this is when the ligament is going through the scar formation process and trying to tighten itself down. You probably have some laxity in the ligament, which is why your knee feels less stable than the other side. You probably also need to work on your hip and core strength, especially stabilizing during activities...I would recommend talking with your PT or physician about exercises that you can do to work on improving your hip abductors and external rotators - these muscles will have a direct impact on how much stress the MCL is under with activities. Unfortunately, I do not yet have a lot of specific exercises on the website for hip and core strengthening - I hope to add them in the near future. So talk to your PT about them in the meantime. Hope this helps - comment back if you have other questions.

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