Can I still run with an MCL sprain?

Continuing to run will not only prolong your pain but could cause secondary injuries through a change in your gait. Although it may be sore to pressure, your doctor may not be able to demonstrate any local swelling. Depending on how severe the sprain is, there may be an effusion.

Can running damage MCL?

Either the bursa itself, the tendons (tendinopathy), or a combination of both can become irritated or inflamed with repetitive running. Like it’s lateral brothers, the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) and Medial Meniscus are not as commonly injured without a specific twisting event.

How long are you out with a mild MCL sprain?

Mild or grade 1 injuries usually get better in 1 to 3 weeks and may only need home treatment along with using crutches for a short time. Moderate or grade 2 injuries usually get better in about a month. You may need to wear a hinged knee brace and limit how much weight you put on your leg.

How do I strengthen my MCL?

Hip adduction

1. Sit on the floor with your knees bent.
2. Place a pillow between your knees.
3. Put your hands slightly behind your hips for support.
4. Squeeze the pillow by tightening the muscles on the inside of your thighs.
5. Hold for 6 seconds, then rest for up to 10 seconds.
6. Repeat 8 to 12 times.

Is it okay to run with a sprained knee?

Do not run if you have pain in your knee. If you still feel pain after a week’s rest, see a GP or physiotherapist. How soon you can start running again will depend on the cause of your knee pain and how severe it is. A GP or physiotherapist can advise you.

How do you recover from a sprained MCL?

If you have a mild MCL strain, it can heal on its own with rest, ice, and other self-care. You’ll need to raise your sore knee when you put ice on it, keep weight off the joint, and protect and compress the injury with a knee brace or elastic bandage.

How do you strengthen an MCL injury?

Why does my MCL hurt when I run?

The most common reason for pain on the inside of the knee in runners is a strain to the medial collateral ligament (MCL). The MCL joins the femur to the tibia below and provides support to the inside of the knee to help avoid unwanted inward movement or rotation of the knee.

How long after knee sprain can I run?

Rehabilitation exercises You can begin exercise rehabilitation when the swelling subsides, which is usually a few days after the injury. Because warmed tissue is more flexible and less prone to injury, you may want to warm the knee before doing rehabilitation exercises.