A media collateral knee ligament sprain or MCP sprain is a tear of the ligament on the inside of the knee. The sudden twisting of the knee or direct trauma usually fuels the condition. However, an MCL sprain may also sprout steadily over time. If you are suffering from an MCL sprain, the likelihood is that your knee is turned inwards, as the MCL is a critical mass of muscles, which keeps the knee aligned by ensuring that the thigh bone and the shinbone are aligned and connected. When your knee turns inwards, you may develop knock knees, patellar tracking disorder, and similar conditions. Thus, it is crucial to wear a knee brace on time to dodge the detrimental complications of an MCL sprain. The common symptoms of an MCL sprain are
- Pain or tenderness on the inside of your knee
- Swelling of the knee
- Discomfort and weakness
- Severe MCL sprains result in extreme pain and rapid swelling
- A positive result in the valgus stress test
If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, then it is high time that you consider a knee brace.
KNEE BRACES FOR AN MCL SPRAIN – THE IDEAL TYPE FOR YOUR REQUIREMENTS
There are four primordial factors that you have to consider while choosing a knee brace for an MCL sprain –
- Brace Type – Before choosing a brace, you should know the various available types. To begin with, hinges are an advanced type of knee support that aims to imitate natural knee movements. Secondly, a stabilizer is an adjustable material wrapped around the knee. Its counterpart – the stabilizer – goes a notch higher and provides advanced support via steep springs on either side of the knee. Lastly, knee sleeves are kind of slip-ones that come in specific sizes.
- Style – You can choose a slip-on brace that comes in specific sizes and is slipped onto the knee. On the contrary, you can opt for a wrap-around brace with straps that can be adjusted and tightened as per your leg.
- Size – It is noteworthy to mention that the effectiveness of a knee brace depends upon the snug fit of the item. Manufacturers of knee braces and sleeves provide detailed measurements and guides on how to identify your size. Thus, you should determine your perfect size before getting a knee brace.
- Protection – The safeguard that a knee brace extends is measured between Level 1 and Level 3+ in order to increase protection. Thus, you should choose a knee brace depending upon the severity of the MCL sprain.
HOW TO WRAP A KNEE FOR AN MCL SPRAIN?
To wrap a knee for an MCL sprain, you must follow the PRICE (Protect, Ice, Rest, Compress, and Elevate) principles. The first step is to protect the sprained knee by using a brace or a sleeve. Then, you have to rest, followed by placing ice bags on the affected knee for 10 to 20 minutes, and after every hour. The fourth step is to compress the area with the bandage and elevate the leg to encourage flood flow.
There we have WorldBrace, the types of knee braces ideal for an MCL sprain and the technique used to wrap a knee during an MCL sprain.