A LCL sprain is characterized as a tear to the lateral collateral ligament in the knee. The LCL is crucial in stabilizing the knee, as well as keeping your knee properly aligned, connecting the femur to the tibia. LCL sprains usually happen when the knee is hit when bent. It is common for a LCL tear to affect other parts of the knee, such as other ligaments.
There are three grades to LCL sprains directly relating to the severity of the injury:
- Grade 1 – Least severe grade; minor damage to LCL, but still supports knee.
- Grade 2 – LCL is stretched and partially torn, knee is somewhat unstable.
- Grade 3 – Most severe grade; LCL is torn or completely separated from bone.
What is the cause?
LCL sprains are usually the result of a direct hit to the inside of the knee. Some common causes of LCL sprains are automobile accidents and contact sports. In contact sports such as football, a direct blow to a bent knee can stretch the LCL to the point of spraining the ligament. Gradual wear and tear in athletes’ knees can also cause sprains to the LCL.
What are the symptoms?
- Pain in the knee, accompanied by swelling
- “Pop” sound upon moment of sprain
- Knee is unstable and may give out
- Painful to walk on
- Weakness in the foot
- Stiffness in the knee
Our staff is well trained to correctly diagnose and treat LCL sprains. Read more below about the advanced Physiotherapy Techniques we utilize.
Tests
We can order imaging tests to properly assess what is causing the symptoms.
- MRI
An MRI can show how much damage and to what degree the knee has been affected.
Treatments
Treatment in our office is broken down into three segments:
- Pain reduction
Stopping or decreasing the activity that is causing the pain is the main goal of our first treatment segment. Applying ice and heat alternatively throughout the day will help with both pain and inflammation. Our Class 4 laser treatment is very effective for this segment. - Treatment to restore oxygen and proper nutrients to damaged segment
- Class 4 laser
- Graston Technique Therapy
Successful in effectively treating all soft tissue conditions, whether they are chronic, acute or post- surgical. - E-stim
Electric muscle stimulation using a device that delivers electronic pulses to motor nerves through electrodes placed on the skin, causing a motor response to achieve a number of desired results. - Ultrasound
- Soft tissue work
- Exercise and proper stretching
We offer a very effective Physiotherapy regiment to both decrease pain and restore proper function.