Tearing your medial collateral ligament (MCL) is a serious injury that requires a fair amount of time to heal, although exactly how long will depend on the extent of the damage. A partial tear will heal more quickly and easily than a complete rupture. Typically, a partial MCL tear takes around four weeks to heal. A complete rupture can take eight weeks or more to recover. The recovery time will also depend on how quickly you get the appropriate treatment for the damage.
You may need to immobilize the knee for a time so the tissue can repair itself. Icing and elevating the joint reduces inflammation and swelling around the torn ligament. After a little while, you’ll need rehabilitate your knee. This helps re-stabilize your joint and support the ligament while it recovers. It also helps you return to your strength and prevent the problem from reoccurring. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the more likely you’ll need invasive methods to repair the damage. Contact our experts at Castle Pines Physical Therapy and Cherry Creek Physical Therapy for an appointment today. You can reach our Castle Pines and Denver, CO, offices online or by calling (303) 805-5156.
