Signs & Symptoms
Signs and symptoms will vary depending on the severity of your MCL injury. If you have a Grade 1 MCL injury, you may just notice some slight pain and swelling. If you have a Grade 3 MCL tear, you may not be able to put any weight on your injured knee.
Signs and symptoms include:
- Popping sound at the time of injury
- Pain and swelling
- Bruising on inside of knee
- Knee feels unstable - can’t support your weight
- Knee feels like it’s catching or locking
- Inside of the knee is tender to the touch
If you think you may have an MCL injury, visit your doctor to confirm the diagnosis. Your doctor will examine your affected knee in both bent and straightened positions. They will be looking for any bruising on the inside of your knee, and may press down over where your MCL is located to check for tenderness or looseness. 
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and how long you've been experiencing them. You should also tell your doctor how you think the injury may have occurred.
Your doctor may send you for a series of imaging tests. This will help them determine how severe the tear is, and rule out any other conditions. X-rays are normally ordered if your doctor suspects another condition, such as arthritis. MRIs and ultrasound tests are usually done so your doctor can get a better look at the damage to your MCL.
