Patient question
What are the symptoms of an MCL tear?
Dr. Pablo GelberOrthopaedic Knee Surgeon
Quick answer
An MCL tear typically causes pain and tenderness along the inner side of the knee, local swelling, stiffness when bending and, in more severe tears, a feeling that the knee wobbles sideways. Pain does not always match severity, so a complete tear can hurt less than a partial one, explains Dr. Pablo Gelber at Aman Hospital in Doha.
The typical picture
- Pain on the inner side of the knee, often from just above to just below the joint line
- Tenderness when you press along the ligament
- Swelling on the inner side, sometimes with bruising appearing a day or two later
- Stiffness and discomfort when fully bending or straightening the knee
- Pain when the knee is pushed inwards, for example when stepping sideways or getting out of a car
- A sense of the knee being loose or unstable sideways in higher-grade tears
How symptoms vary with the grade
A grade 1 sprain is usually sore and tender but stable, and walking is possible. A grade 2 tear is more painful, with more swelling and some looseness when tested. In a grade 3 complete tear the ligament fibres no longer hold, and paradoxically some patients feel less pain because there is no intact tissue being stretched, though the knee feels unstable.
Symptoms that suggest more than an MCL tear
Rapid, large swelling within a few hours, a pop at the time of injury, the knee giving way when you turn, or locking can mean an ACL tear, a meniscus tear or a bone bruise as well. These combined injuries are common in football and skiing and change treatment, so they need a specialist assessment.
When to be seen
Book an examination within a week if you cannot walk normally, the knee feels unstable, or pain is not easing after a few days of rest and ice. At Aman Hospital in Doha, Dr. Gelber tests the MCL and the other ligaments and arranges an MRI when needed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I walk on a torn MCL?
Often yes, especially with lower-grade tears. Being able to walk does not rule out a significant tear, so persistent pain or looseness should still be checked.
Why does it hurt most first thing in the morning?
Swelling and stiffness build up overnight while the knee is still. Gentle movement usually eases it as the day goes on.
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