MCL Tears Vs. ACL Tears

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is along the inside of the knee, while the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is in the front of the knee. The MCL keeps the knee from bending too far inward and allows it to rotate, and the ACL helps to keep the knee steady and prevents it from turning too much.

MCL tears typically occur during rigorous physical activity, oftentimes during sports like football or soccer. A tear occurs when the knee is hit directly from the outer side. This stretches the ligament and can cause tearing.

When the knee is suddenly twisted or dislocated, an ACL tear can happen. Usually, the athlete will hear a loud popping sound if the ACL is torn. Pain can occur immediately, and it can be difficult to straighten out the knee.

It can be difficult to tell the difference between an MCL and ACL tear because they can share many symptoms. Symptoms include:

• Bruising
• Inflammation 
• Intense pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling

The biggest difference between the two tears is that a pop may be heard during an ACL tear, but not during a MCL tear.

MCL tears can often be treated with rest, bracing, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy. ACL tears can have the same treatment options, but they are more likely to require surgery.

Our knee experts will work with your athlete to determine the best treatment plan. They will always consider nonsurgical treatments first. If nonsurgical treatments do not alleviate the pain, surgery can be performed.

If you have an athlete who is experiencing knee pain or you think they may have torn their MCL or ACL, call our knee specialists at Desert Orthopaedic Center at (702) 731-4088.