An LCL injury is a sprain or tear to the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). The LCL is a band of tissue on the outside of your knee. It connects your thighbone to the bone of your lower leg and helps keep the knee from bending outward.
You can hurt your LCL during activities that involve bending, twisting, or a quick change of direction. For example, the LCL can be injured in football or soccer when the inside of the knee is hit. This type of injury can also occur during skiing and in other sports with lots of stop-and-go movements, jumping, or weaving.
Symptoms may include swelling, pain, and tenderness, especially on the outside of your knee. Several hours after the injury, your pain may get worse. And it might be harder to move your knee. You may also have bruising and an unstable feeling in your knee, like it may lock up or give out.
The doctor will examine you and ask questions about your past health. You'll also be asked how you injured your knee and about your symptoms at the time you injured it.
Your doctor will carefully examine your knee and leg. The doctor will look and feel to see if there is swelling and may gently push on certain places to find spots that are most tender. Then your doctor will move your knee and leg in certain ways to help check for stability. They will also look at the rest of your leg to make sure that blood is flowing, the leg works well, and there are no other injuries above or below the knee.
You may have some tests, such as an X-ray, an MRI, or an ultrasound.
Your treatment will depend on how severe your injury is and whether other parts of your knee are injured.
A severe tear may need surgery. But this usually isn't done unless you also injure other parts of your knee, such as the ACL or meniscus.
Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to increase range of motion and strengthen your muscles.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
©2011-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated