Patient question

I got tackled from the side and now the inside of my knee hurts. What is it?

Dr. Pablo GelberOrthopaedic Knee Surgeon

Quick answer

A blow to the outside of the knee pushes it inward and stretches the medial collateral ligament (MCL), so pain along the inner knee after a side tackle is very often an MCL sprain. Most heal without surgery, but the ACL and meniscus need checking too, says Doha knee surgeon Dr. Pablo Gelber at Aman Hospital.

Why a side tackle hurts the inside of the knee

When a player lands on the outer side of your knee, the joint is forced into a knock-kneed position. The outside is compressed and the inside is pulled open. The ligament that resists this opening is the MCL, a broad band running from the inner thigh bone to the inner shin bone.

That is why the pain is usually on the inside, even though the hit came from the outside. Most patients describe tenderness along the inner joint line or slightly above it, stiffness the next morning and discomfort when they try to turn or cut.

Signs it is probably the MCL, and signs it may be more

Typical of an MCL sprain:

Tenderness you can point to on the inner side of the knee
Mild to moderate swelling that develops over a day or so
Pain when the knee is pushed inward, but you can usually still walk

Signs that something else may be injured as well:

A pop at the moment of the tackle and rapid swelling within a few hours
The knee giving way or feeling loose when you twist
Locking, catching or being unable to straighten the knee
Being unable to put weight on the leg at all

What you can do now

In the first few days, rest from football, use ice for short periods, keep the leg elevated and walk as comfortably as the pain allows. Crutches are reasonable if walking hurts. Avoid twisting, deep squats and kicking until the knee has been assessed.

Gentle bending and straightening within comfort helps prevent stiffness. If you play in the evening league or at indoor pitches to escape the Doha heat, do not test the knee in a match before it has been examined.

When to see a knee surgeon in Doha

Book an assessment if pain and swelling are not settling after a week, if the knee feels unstable, or if any of the warning signs above are present. At Aman Hospital, Dr. Gelber examines the knee with gentle stress tests in different positions to grade the MCL and check the ACL, PCL and meniscus. An MRI is requested when the examination suggests a higher-grade or combined injury.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep playing if I can still walk on it?

Being able to walk does not mean the ligament has healed. Playing on a sprained MCL risks turning a partial tear into a complete one, so it is wiser to stop and have it checked.

Do I need an X-ray?

An X-ray is sometimes taken to rule out a fracture or a small bone fragment pulled off by the ligament. An MRI shows the ligaments themselves and is used when the examination raises concern.

Should I use heat or ice?

Ice is generally preferred in the first 48 to 72 hours to ease pain and swelling. Gentle warmth can help stiffness later once the swelling has settled.