Symptoms & Diagnosis

Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries cause inner knee pain, swelling, tenderness, and instability, especially during weight-bearing or valgus stress. Bruising may appear hours post-injury. Severe tears provoke joint laxity or a “giving way” sensation. Diagnosis involves physical exams (valgus stress test) to assess ligament integrity and pain response. Imaging (MRI, ultrasound) confirms tear severity (Grades I-III) and detects associated injuries (meniscus/ACL). X-rays rule out fractures. Chronic cases may show stiffness or reduced range of motion. Timely diagnosis prevents complications like chronic instability or osteoarthritis.