An MCL injury occurs due to being hit on Nerve Renew Review the outer surface of the knee and stretched. The damage of tissues depends on the force applied on the knee. An injury to the MCL can also cause a Medial Cartilage Meniscus Injury. The knee has two cartilage menisci-one on the medial or inside and the other on the lateral or outside upper surface of the shinbone.MCL injury is classified into three grades depending on the severity of the injury. In a Grade 1 injury, 10 percent of the tissues are damaged. In Grade 3, fully 100 percent of the tissues are damaged. Of course, Grade 2 lies between the two.
The symptoms of an MCL injury vary according to the nature of the injury. Grade 1 symptoms include mild tenderness, usually no swelling, and no instability of the knee. When force is applied to the outside of the knee, the pain is felt while the knee is bent at 30 degrees. In case of a Grade 2 injury, the knee may swell up and there would be pain when the knee is bent to 30 degrees.
With a Grade 3 injury, there would be pain and the patient may feel like the knee is unstable and giving out. MCL assessment tests are conducted to diagnose an MCL injury. These tests include a questionnaire about general health problems and current injury. The physician will perform physical assessment as well to find out the cause of pain. Resisted Muscle Tests and Valgus Stress Test are two tests that are conducted.