• A popping sound or feeling when the injury happens
• Pain on the inner side of the knee
• Swelling
• Trouble putting weight on the injured leg
• Knee instability
• Knee stiffness

• Feeling like your knee might “give out” when you put weight on it
• A loose or wobbly feeling in your knee
• Sharp or sore pain on the inside of your knee, especially when the area is touched
• Trouble bending or straightening your knee
• Pain when walking or moving the knee

• Something hits the outside of your knee, such as during a football tackle
• Making a hard “cut” or suddenly changing direction while running
• Landing awkwardly after a jump
• A strong twisting or bending force to the knee
• Repeated stress on the knee, which can sometimes wear out ligament

• Is it hard or impossible to put weight on the leg?
• Is there a lot of pain or swelling, or does the knee feel unstable?
• Is the pain on the inside of your knee?
• Self-checks cannot tell how serious an MCL injury is. If these problems are present, seek help from a doctor

Educational only — not a medical diagnosis.

1. 1Stop playing or exercising
2. 2Sit or lie down and don't put weight on the injured leg
3. 3Apply ice wrapped in a cloth to the knee for about 15–20 minutes at a time
4. 4Keep the leg raised if possible
5. 5Tell a parent, guardian, coach, or athletic trainer about the injury
6. 6Get medical care if there is severe pain, major swelling, trouble walking, or knee instability

• The knee looks deformed or out of place
• The foot becomes numb, very cold, or changes color
• Severe pain or swelling develops quickly
• The knee becomes stuck and cannot be moved
• It is impossible to put weight on the leg
• The knee feels very unstable after the injury

• Recovery depends on how badly the MCL is injured. A doctor can help you decide how bad your injury is, and what you can do to recover.
• Grade 1 — Mild tear: The MCL is stretched but not badly torn. Recovery usually focuses on rest, lessening pain and swelling, and slowly getting back to normal movement and exercise.
• Grade 2 — Partial tear: The MCL is partly torn. Recovery may include wearing a knee brace, exercises, and physical therapy to help make your knee stronger before playing sports.
• Grade 3 — Complete tear: The MCL is completely torn. Recovery usually takes longer and may involve a brace, crutches, and physical therapy. Surgery is sometimes needed, especially if other parts of the knee are also injured.
• To help the knee heal:
• Follow the treatment plan from a healthcare professional
• Do exercises from a physical therapist to build strength, balance, and stability
• Do not return to sports just because the knee feels better. The knee should be strong and stable enough for sports movements first
• Start with easier activities before harder running, jumping, or changing direction
• Stop and tell an adult if pain, swelling, or a feeling of the knee giving out returns
• Get cleared by a doctor before returning to full sports