Can you exercise with MCL injury?
Depending on what section of the MCL is injured can determine how early knee flexion range of motion exercises can start, but this is case-dependent. On average, most athletes can return to full competition within 5 to 7 weeks.
How do you strengthen a torn MCL?
Quad sets
- Sit with your affected leg straight and supported on the floor or a firm bed. Place a small, rolled-up towel under your knee.
- Tighten the thigh muscles of your affected leg by pressing the back of your knee down into the towel.
- Hold for about 6 seconds, then rest for up to 10 seconds.
- Repeat 8 to 12 times.
How do you repair a medial collateral ligament?
If the medial collateral ligament has been torn where it attaches to the thighbone (femur) or shinbone (tibia), the surgeon will re-attach the ligament to the bone using large stitches or a metal screw or bone staple. If the tear was in the middle of the ligament, the surgeon will sew the torn ends together.
Can I do squats with an MCL injury?
You do not have to squat all the way to the chair, instead, try to stay in a comfortable range of motion where there is no knee pain. As you gain strength, try to do the exercise without holding on to anything.
Is cycling good for knee ligament injury?
Cycling can also help promote the health of knee cartilage and support the healing process in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. With those suffering from arthritis, inactivity can lead to swelling and stiffness in joints that often worsens after long periods without use.
When should an MCL be repaired?
Most grade 1-2 MCL injuries respond well to non-surgical treatment with a combination of bracing, ice, rest and physical therapy. In unstable grade 3 MCL tears, or those that don’t respond to initial non-surgical treatment, Dr. Potts may recommend surgery to fix the ligament and restore the knee’s normal function.
What exercises not to do with a torn meniscus?
The patient should avoid pivoting and squatting and should work on keeping the quadriceps muscles strong. If the swelling and pain have not resolved in 6 weeks, they usually won’t without surgical intervention.