A ligament injury usually happens during a twist, a sudden stop or a hit to the knee. A pop, fast swelling within hours and the knee giving way suggest an ACL tear. Pain on the inner side after a blow from the outside suggests an MCL sprain.
What to do first
- Stop playing, ice, compress, raise the leg
- Use crutches if you cannot walk normally
- See a doctor within days for a proper exam
Recovery
- Most MCL sprains heal with a brace and rehab in weeks
- ACL tears: rehab alone or reconstruction surgery, depending on age and sport
- Rehab with a physiotherapist is key in both cases