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May 20, 2021Treatment for Lateral Collateral Ligament Injury: What You Need to Know
The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is one of the major collateral ligaments that help stabilize your knee joint. Running along the outside of your knee, the LCL connects the femur (thigh bone) to the fibula (one of the lower leg bones). When this ligament is stretched or torn—often due to a twisting injury, sudden impact, or contact sports—you may experience significant pain and instability.
At Dines Orthopedics, our sports medicine specialists diagnose and treat a wide range of knee injuries, including lateral collateral ligament injuries, sprains, and complete LCL tears. Below is a full guide to understanding your injury and the most effective treatment options available.
What Is a Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Injury?
The LCL helps keep the knee stable, preventing excessive side-to-side movement. Because it sits on the outer side of your knee, it is vulnerable to force that pushes the knee inward.
An LCL injury can range from a mild sprain to a complete tear:
Grade 1 (Mild Sprain): The ligament is stretched but remains intact.
Grade 2 (Partial Tear): The ligament is partially torn, leading to instability and pain.
Grade 3 (Complete Tear): The ligament is torn fully and may cause significant instability; these injuries often occur with other knee ligament damage such as the ACL, MCL, or PCL.
Signs and Symptoms of an LCL Sprain or Tear
Patients commonly report:
Pain on the outside of the knee
Swelling and tenderness along the ligament
Feeling that the knee “gives out”
Difficulty putting weight on your knee
Instability during movement
Bruising or stiffness
Pain when twisting or bending the knee
Because LCL injuries often occur with other collateral ligament injuries or cruciate ligament damage, a full orthopedic evaluation is essential.
How LCL Injuries Happen
Common causes include:
Sudden impact to the inside of the knee
Twisting or pivoting during sports
Direct blows during football, soccer, or basketball
Falls or work-related accidents
Hyperextension of the knee
Quick directional changes during high-intensity activity
Athletes involved in contact sports are especially prone to LCL injuries, but they can happen to anyone.
Diagnosing LCL Injuries at Dines Orthopedics
Your orthopedic specialist will:
Examine your knee to assess stability and tenderness
Check surrounding ligaments, tendons, and muscles
Evaluate range of motion
Order imaging such as an MRI to determine whether the ligament is torn and its severity
Assess for associated injuries to the ACL, MCL, PCL, or meniscus
Accurate diagnosis ensures the right treatment plan to restore knee strength and stability.
Treatment Options for Lateral Collateral Ligament Injuries
Treatment will depend on the severity of your LCL sprain or tear. At Dines Orthopedics, we provide both nonsurgical and surgical options tailored to each patient.
Nonsurgical Treatment for LCL Sprains (Grades 1–2)
Most mild to moderate LCL injuries respond well to conservative treatment:
1. Rest and Protection
Avoid putting weight on your leg
Use crutches if recommended
Protect the injured ligament with a hinged knee brace
2. Ice and Elevation
Ice your knee for 15–20 minutes at a time
Reduce swelling and control pain
Keep the knee elevated when possible
3. Physical Therapy
A structured physical therapy program will help:
Restore range of motion
Strengthen the muscles around your knee
Improve stability
Retrain proper movement patterns
Therapists focus on the ligaments of the knee, ensuring the joint remains stable as the LCL heals.
4. Anti-inflammatory Treatment
NSAIDs may be recommended to reduce pain and swelling
Most patients begin to see improvement within a few weeks, though full recovery can take 6–8 weeks depending on the injury.
Surgical Treatment for Severe LCL Tears (Grade 3)
If the lateral collateral ligament is completely torn, if there is significant knee instability, or if additional ligaments are damaged, surgery may be necessary.
LCL Reconstruction or Repair
Surgery may involve:
Repairing the torn ligament when possible
Reconstructing the ligament using a graft when repair is not feasible
This procedure helps restore the normal function of the LCL and stabilizes the knee joint.
Post-Surgical Recovery
After surgery, patients typically:
Use a hinged knee brace
Limit weight-bearing initially
Begin guided physical therapy for strength and mobility
Progressively return to full activity under orthopedic supervision
Full recovery may take several months, but surgical outcomes are highly successful with proper rehab.
When to See a Sports Medicine Specialist
If you experience:
Persistent knee pain on the outside of the knee
Ongoing swelling
Instability or “giving way”
Difficulty walking or bending the knee
Pain after a twisting injury
…it’s important to have your knee evaluated by an experienced orthopedic team.
Expert LCL Injury Care at Dines Orthopedics
The orthopedic and sports medicine specialists at Dines Orthopedics diagnose and treat all types of collateral ligament injuries, from mild LCL sprains to complete tears requiring reconstruction. With advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and state-of-the-art care, we help patients return to activity safely and confidently.
