Resting to Promote Healing

• Resting and icing the affected area is the first step in treating your MCL re-injury, according to the UCSF Medical Center. Also, elevate the knee to take pressure off the MCL. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, might help take the ease the pain until your doctor's appointment.
  
  

Bracing and Casts

• Braces and casts are designed to provide limited movement in the knee and calf area. Movements that put strain on the MCL, such as squatting, kneeling or bending over, should be avoided. Using a brace to restrict those movements gives the MCL an opportunity to heal.
  
  

Rehabilitation Treatments

• Rehabilitation therapy teaches the patient exercises for strengthening the joints to prevent re-injury. Treatment is provided one to two times weekly, depending on the severity of the relapsed MCL. The patient also will be given exercises to do at home. It's important that a home treatment plan is followed closely to strengthen the joints and prevent re-injury, according to the UCSF Medical Center.
  
  

Recovery Times

• Once you visit your doctor, she will classify your MCL re-injury on a scale from Grade 1 to Grade 3 (with three being the worst). A Grade 1 injury usually heals within a matter of a week or two, and a Grade 2 tear can take up to a month. A Grade 3 tear can take a of couple months or longer to heal, according to UCSF Medical Center.