Expert Sports Injury
Care in San Diego

A sharp twist, a sudden stop, or an awkward landing can change your life in an instant. ACL and MCL tears are the most common knee ligament injuries in everyday life and among athletes. 

When your knee buckles, pops, or starts to swell, one of the two ligaments responsible for movement and stability is likely to blame. Read on to learn about the causes and symptoms of MCL and ACL injuries, and where to find the best orthopedic surgeon in San Diego for effective treatments, from minimally invasive techniques and orthobiologics to surgical repair. 

Understanding the Anatomy of the Knee

Before learning about ACL and MCL injuries, it helps to understand the anatomy of the knee joint:

• The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sits deep inside the knee and is one of four major ligaments of the knee, and is responsible for about 85% of the force of the knee. 
• The medial collateral ligament (MCL) rests along the inner edge of the knee and keeps the leg from bending inward when you step, turn, or absorb a hit. 

These ligaments work together every time you walk downstairs, pivot during a game, or catch your balance on uneven ground. When someone describes hearing a pop or feeling a tug along the inner knee, the location of that sensation often hints at which ligament is struggling. 

Common Causes of ACL and MCL Injuries

Both ACL and MCL injuries often happen faster than you can react, like a sharp twist during a pickup basketball game or an awkward landing after a rebound: 

• An ACL injury typically occurs when you have to make a sudden stop or sharp pivot
• MCL injuries tend to be caused by a hit or a force that pushes the knee inward, like a soccer tackle or a fall while skiing

People who play sports that require quick changes in direction or frequent contact are at higher risk of ACL and MCL injuries, as these movements place significant stress on the ligaments. 

Symptoms of ACL and MCL Injuries

Most knee ligament injuries have similar symptoms, including:

• A sharp pop that you can hear or feel, followed by immediate swelling and a sense that the knee won’t hold your weight the way it used to
• Feeling as if you can’t fully straighten your leg without feeling an unusual tightness or pain
• Deep tenderness in the area of the knee where the ligament sits
• Knee instability that causes you to feel wobbly or sore with each step
• Stiffness, especially after long periods of rest 
• Being unable to fully bend your knee
• Pain when trying to kneel
• Pain and swelling that increase with activity and decrease with rest

Treatment Options and Recovery Timelines for ACL and MCL Injuries

Treatment for MCL and ACL injuries depends on how the injury happened and how your body begins to heal in the days that follow. An ACL tear often leads to a knee that gives out during simple movements, which is why many active patients eventually choose surgical reconstruction. MCL injuries usually create soreness along the inner knee that improves with non-surgical treatments. Common treatments include: 

• Rest, bracing, and physical therapy focused on rebuilding strength and stability
• Injectable orthobiologics like PRP or BMAC for enhanced healing
• Minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures for some mild injuries
• ACL reconstruction surgery for significant ACL tears
• Surgical repair for torn MCL or combined injuries with more than one torn ligament

Recovery times vary, but it’s common for surgery to require several months of steady rehabilitation. No matter which ligament is involved, the work done in rehab shapes how the knee feels years later, because rebuilding strength and movement helps protect against lingering instability or early arthritis.

How to Prevent ACL and MCL Injuries and Keep Your Knees Healthy

Keeping your knees healthy starts with small habits that build strength and control long before an injury happens: 

• Strength training the quads, hamstrings, and hips can help because these muscles act like natural support beams for the ligaments
• Balance and agility drills, like single-leg stands or ladder footwork, teach the body to react when the ground shifts or a play changes suddenly
• Structured warmups that blend strength, technique, and movement control can help you avoid exercise or sports-related injuries

Discover the Best Orthopedic Surgeon in San Diego for MCL or ACL Repair and Reconstruction

A knee injury can throw off your routine, whether it happens during a hard cut on the field or a simple misstep on a trail. At San Diego Performance Orthopedic and Regenerative Therapy, we guide patients through ACL and MCL injuries with the same focus and care we’d want for our own families. 

Dr. Samagh’s patient-first approach reflects a balance of technical skill and a genuine interest in getting you back to the activities you love. Whether you need surgical repair or want to try regenerative therapies first, our compassionate team will be with you every step of the way. 

Ready to reclaim strength and motion in your knee with help from the best orthopedic surgeon in San Diego?