The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) runs diagonally within the knee joint, while the MCL (medial collateral ligament) is on the inside of the knee. ACL tears often occur from pivoting or rapid direction changes, causing instability within the joint. MCL tears typically result from a blow to the outer knee, leading to medial (inner) instability. Both can produce pain and swelling, but the exact symptoms and required treatments differ based on the ligament damaged.

Recovery can vary from a few weeks for mild sprains to several months for severe tears or post-surgery healing. Factors like your general health, the extent of ligament damage, and whether surgery is needed all influence the timeline. Guided exercises and appropriate bracing often reduce recovery time by maintaining knee stability and preventing further harm.

If you can bear weight, short periods of light walking might be possible, but it’s risky to proceed without proper support, especially if the knee feels unstable. A brace helps prevent sudden twisting or shifting that can worsen ligament injuries, particularly in the early stages of recovery.

Look for a hinged ROM (range-of-motion) brace offering strong lateral support and adjustable flexion/extension settings. A product like the Brace Direct Hinged ACL Ligament ROM Knee Brace shields the joint from further twisting or hyperextension and fosters safer rehabilitation.
Brace Direct Hinged ACL Ligament ROM Knee Brace

Not always. Partial tears and milder sprains often respond well to conservative management—like rest, bracing, and targeted physical therapy. However, large or complete tears, recurring instability, and active lifestyles may require surgical repair to fully restore knee function and prevent repeated injury.