On average, it takes six weeks for a MCL injury to heal. The initial treatment for most grade 1, 2 or 3 MCL tears focuses on reducing the pain and inflammation in the knee while immobilizing the knee to keep it stabilized.
Also, can you run with a sprained MCL?
If you sustain a Grade 1 MCL injury, you can expect to be back out on the running trails in only 2 to 4 weeks. Symptoms of a Grade 2 MCL sprain are more severe and runners with these types of injuries usually report significant pain and swelling of the MCL.
Can a MCL tear heal on its own?
This creates tension on the MCL, a rope-like band, and it stretches or breaks in half. Children with a partially or completely torn MCL might have swelling and pain in the first 24 hours of injury. Fortunately, this injury can heal on its own from 1 to 6 weeks of resting the joint.
Do you have to have surgery for a torn MCL?
If the torn ligament does not heal sufficiently, you may experience instability in the joint, and you will be more susceptible to re-injury. The MCL usually responds very well to non-surgical treatment, although surgery may be required in rare cases. A grade 2 tear can take from two to four weeks to heal.