MCL Injuries

The Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) is one of the key stabilisers of your knee. Running along the inside of the joint, it prevents the knee from collapsing inwards during movement. Because of its role, the MCL is commonly injured in sports and activities that involve twisting, sudden changes in direction, or direct impact.

What causes MCL injuries?

MCL injuries usually occur when a force is applied to the outside of the knee, causing the joint to bend inward. This is particularly common in sports like soccer, football, and skiing, where collisions, awkward landings, or sharp turns put the knee under extra stress.

They can also happen from degenerative causes, where tears in the ligament can slowly develop over time due to repetitive stress and natural wear and tear on the knee.

Common symptoms of an MCL injury:

Localised pain or tenderness on the inner side of the knee
Swelling or stiffness along the joint line
A feeling of instability in the knee
Difficulty weight-bearing or changing direction

Why early assessment matters

Many people try to “walk off” a knee injury, but ignoring pain can delay healing or increase the risk of further damage. Early assessment ensures that the injury is properly diagnosed, and a tailored rehabilitation plan can be put in place.

How we can help

Our osteopaths provide hands-on treatment to reduce pain and swelling, improve mobility, and restore proper movement patterns. We’ll guide you through a structured rehab program to help strengthen and stabilise your knee, so you can return to sport or daily activities with confidence.

If you’ve injured your knee or are experiencing inner knee pain, don’t wait it out – getting the right care early makes all the difference.

If you have questions about MCL strains and how our osteopaths might be able to help, please call us on 03 5968 6889 or email info@emeraldosteopathy.com.au. We would love to work with you!

Medial Collateral Ligament Injury of the Knee

MCL Injuries

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