ACL (anterior cruciate ligament): located inside the knee, it controls forward movement and provides rotational stability. ACL tears often occur during sudden pivoting, jumping, or abrupt stops.
MCL (medial collateral ligament): found along the inner side of the knee, it prevents excessive inward bending and protects the joint from side impacts. MCL injuries are usually caused by direct blows to the outer knee.
| Feature | ACL Tear | MCL Tear |
|---|---|---|
| Symptoms | Popping sound at injury, rapid swelling, knee “giving way,” instability | Pain and tenderness on the inner knee, stiffness, swelling, usually stable |
| Common Causes | Sudden twisting, abrupt stops, awkward landings, rapid direction changes | Direct impact to the outer knee (e.g., tackles, collisions, falls) |
| Diagnosis | Lachman test, MRI to confirm tear, X-ray to rule out fractures | Valgus stress test, MRI to confirm tear, X-ray to rule out fractures |
| Treatment & Recovery | Partial tears may heal conservatively; full tears usually require surgery; rehab 9–12 months | Most MCL tears heal without surgery; mild tears recover in 4–8 weeks; severe tears may take 3+ months |
ACL Tear Signs:
Audible “pop” at the time of injury
Rapid swelling within hours
Feeling of instability or knee “giving way”
MCL Tear Signs:
Pain along the inner knee
Swelling and stiffness
Knee generally remains stable
Accurate diagnosis typically involves:
Clinical examination: Lachman test for ACL, valgus stress test for MCL
Imaging: MRI to confirm ligament damage and assess meniscus/cartilage involvement; X-ray to rule out fractures
Non-surgical care: Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), bracing, and physiotherapy are first-line treatments for both ACL and MCL injuries.
MCL tears: Mild injuries often heal in 4–8 weeks without surgery. Severe tears may require 3+ months of rehab.
ACL tears: Partial tears may respond to conservative care, but complete tears usually require reconstructive surgery. Recovery post-surgery typically takes 9–12 months.
Seek medical attention if you experience:
Sudden knee trauma or a popping sound
Persistent pain, swelling, or stiffness
Difficulty bending, straightening, or bearing weight
A feeling that your knee may give way
Apex Sports Clinic
As passionate athletes, we intimately understand the anguish and frustration that injuries can inflict, and our primary commitment is to facilitate your swift return to the sports you love.
With a collective experience exceeding 15 years, the Apex team has been dedicated advocates for athletes, assisting them in preventing, overcoming, and conquering injuries. We've invested countless hours in rigorous training and education to ensure we are exceptionally equipped to provide you with the highest care and support.
Our practice specialises in both non-surgical and surgical treatments for sports injuries, including knee ligament injuries, shoulder dislocations, and hip labral tears. We also handle emergencies like acute fractures and injuries and chronic joint conditions like osteoarthritis. With our experienced medical team and evidence-based approach, we provide personalised care to help patients recover and improve musculoskeletal health.
Connect with Apex Sports Clinic on their website.