LCL Sprain – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Overview of LCL Sprain

An LCL sprain occurs when the ligament on the outer (lateral) side of your knee is stretched beyond its normal range. This injury most often happens when the knee is forced inward (a varus stress), such as during sports, falls, or sudden twisting motions. The LCL connects the femur (thighbone) to the fibula (outer shinbone), providing stability against sideways movements.

How common is an LCL sprain?

Compared to injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or medial collateral ligament (MCL), LCL sprains are less common. Studies suggest LCL injuries make up about 2% of all knee ligament injuries (LaPrade et al., 2014). However, they are often seen in athletes who play contact sports like football, soccer, wrestling, and skiing.

Why it matters

Even though LCL sprains are not as frequent as ACL or MCL injuries, they can be serious. The LCL works together with other ligaments and structures in the knee. If injured, it can lead to knee instability, difficulty walking, and long-term problems if not managed correctly.

Impact on daily life

An LCL sprain can significantly affect your mobility and quality of life:

• Work: Jobs that require standing, climbing, or lifting can become painful and difficult.
• Sports: Running, cutting, or pivoting movements often feel unstable or impossible.
• Sleep: Pain and swelling can make it hard to find a comfortable position at night.
• Relationships & mental health: Ongoing pain and reduced activity may cause frustration, stress, or worry about reinjury.

How is an LCL sprain different from other knee injuries?

• LCL vs. MCL sprain: An LCL sprain affects the outer knee, while an MCL sprain affects the inner knee. MCL sprains are more common.
• LCL vs. ACL tear: ACL injuries often happen with twisting and stopping, while LCL sprains usually result from a direct blow to the inner knee pushing it outward.
• LCL vs. meniscus tear: Meniscus tears affect the cartilage inside the joint, while LCL sprains affect the ligament outside the joint.

Key takeaway: Even though LCL sprains are less common than other knee injuries, they are just as important to diagnose and treat properly. Ignoring them can lead to chronic instability and higher risk of re-injury.

Reference:
LaPrade RF, Wentorf FA, Fritts H, Gundry C, Hightower CD. (2014). Diagnosis and treatment of posterolateral knee injuries. Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, 92(16):1625–1639. doi:10.2106/JBJS.I.00940

What Are the Main Symptoms of an LCL Sprain?

An LCL sprain typically causes pain and tenderness on the outside of your knee. The severity of symptoms depends on whether the ligament is stretched, partially torn, or completely torn.

Common symptoms of an LCL sprain

1. Pain: Localized on the outer knee, especially when walking or standing.
2. Swelling: Often mild compared to ACL or MCL injuries but still noticeable.
3. Tenderness: The area over the ligament is sore to touch.
4. Instability: Your knee may feel like it could “give out,” especially when pivoting or changing direction.
5. Stiffness: Limited ability to fully bend or straighten the knee.
6. Bruising: May appear within 24–48 hours after injury.

Severity spectrum

• Grade I (Mild): Slight overstretching with minor pain and little swelling. Walking is usually possible.
• Grade II (Moderate): Partial ligament tear with noticeable pain, swelling, and some instability. Walking may be painful.
• Grade III (Severe): Complete tear of the ligament. The knee feels unstable, and walking without support is often difficult.

Functional impact

• At work: Climbing stairs, standing for long hours, or lifting heavy loads may aggravate pain.
• In sports: Cutting, sprinting, or side-stepping becomes challenging. Athletes may lose confidence in knee stability.
• Daily life: Simple activities like walking the dog or carrying groceries may be limited.
• Sleep: Nighttime discomfort may make it hard to find a comfortable position.

Red flag signs

You should seek urgent care if you experience:

• Severe knee instability (knee giving way).
• Inability to put weight on your leg.
• Visible deformity of the knee.
• Numbness or tingling below the knee.
• Sudden locking or catching of the joint.

Key takeaway: Symptoms of an LCL sprain range from mild pain to severe instability. If your knee feels unstable or painful after injury, it’s important to seek professional evaluation.

Reference:
Geeslin AG, LaPrade RF. (2010). Outcomes of treatment of acute grade III isolated and combined posterolateral knee injuries: a prospective case series and surgical technique. Arthroscopy, 26(5):552–563. doi:10.1016/j.arthro.2009.08.010

Causes and Risk Factors for LCL Sprain

An LCL sprain happens when the knee is forced inward, stretching the ligament on the outside. This can occur during sports, falls, or sudden awkward movements.

Common biomechanical causes

• Direct blow to the inside of the knee: Often occurs in contact sports like football or rugby.
• Twisting or pivoting injury: Sudden changes in direction can overload the LCL.
• Landing awkwardly: Coming down from a jump can overstretch the ligament.
• Hyperextension: Forcing the knee backward can also damage the outer ligament.

Lifestyle and personal risk factors

• Sports participation: Athletes in soccer, basketball, skiing, and wrestling are at higher risk.
• Occupation: Jobs that involve heavy lifting, kneeling, or sudden movements increase risk.
• Age: Younger, more active people experience LCL sprains more often, but older adults with weaker ligaments are also at risk.
• Sex: Some studies suggest males may be more prone due to higher participation in contact sports.
• Previous knee injury: Past ligament or meniscus injuries make reinjury more likely.
• Obesity: Added weight places extra stress on knee ligaments.

Daily life examples

• A soccer player collides with another player, causing the knee to buckle inward.
• A skier lands awkwardly after a jump and twists the knee outward.
• A construction worker slips, forcing the knee into an unnatural position.
• Even stepping off a curb incorrectly can cause a sprain if the knee twists suddenly.

How is an LCL sprain different from other ligament injuries?

• Unlike ACL injuries, which are often caused by sudden stops or pivots, LCL sprains usually involve direct force to the inner knee.
• Compared to MCL sprains, LCL sprains are less common but often occur alongside other injuries (posterolateral corner injuries).

Key takeaway: An LCL sprain is usually caused by force pushing the knee inward, combined with personal and lifestyle risk factors. Recognizing these risks helps prevent future injuries.

Reference:
Laprade RF, Johansen S, Wentorf FA, Engebretsen L, Esterberg JL, Tso A. (2007). An analysis of an anatomical posterolateral knee reconstruction: an in vitro biomechanical study and development of a surgical technique. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 35(11):1803–1810. doi:10.1177/0363546507304303

Clinical Path for LCL Sprain – Diagnosis, Recovery, and Management

Diagnosis of LCL Sprain

An LCL sprain is diagnosed through your medical history, a physical exam, and sometimes imaging. The goal is to determine how badly the ligament is injured, rule out other knee problems, and identify the root cause of your pain.

How do doctors test for an LCL sprain?

When you see a healthcare provider, the first step is a detailed history. They will ask how the injury happened — for example, was it a collision on the sports field, a fall, or a twist? They’ll also want to know if you heard a “pop,” if you can walk, and whether you’ve injured your knee before.

During the physical exam, your provider may:

• Inspect your knee for swelling, bruising, or deformity.
• Press gently along the outer side of the knee to check for tenderness over the ligament.
• Perform a varus stress test — pushing your knee outward while stabilizing the thigh to see if the joint feels loose.
• Check nearby structures like the ACL, MCL, and meniscus, since combined injuries are common.

These functional tests are usually enough to classify the sprain as mild, moderate, or severe.

Do you need an MRI or X-ray for an LCL sprain?

Imaging is not always required, but it can confirm the diagnosis:

• X-rays help rule out fractures, especially if the injury came from a hard blow.
• MRI is the gold standard for ligament injuries. It shows the extent of LCL damage and whether other ligaments or the meniscus are also injured.
• Ultrasound can sometimes be used to visualize the ligament in real time.

How is an LCL sprain different from other knee injuries?

LCL sprains usually cause pain on the outer side of the knee, while MCL injuries affect the inner side. ACL tears often cause immediate instability and swelling throughout the knee, not just one side. Meniscus tears may lead to catching or locking, which is less common with LCL sprains.

Key takeaway: An LCL sprain is diagnosed with a careful history, physical exam, and sometimes imaging. Early diagnosis ensures proper treatment and lowers the risk of chronic instability.

Reference:
LaPrade RF, Ly TV, Wentorf FA, Engebretsen L. (2003). The posterolateral attachments of the knee: a qualitative and quantitative morphologic analysis of the fibular collateral ligament, popliteus tendon, popliteofibular ligament, and lateral gastrocnemius tendon. Am J Sports Med, 31(6):854–860. doi:10.1177/03635465030310061701

Recovery Timeline and Prognosis for LCL Sprain

An LCL sprain usually heals with rest and rehabilitation, but recovery depends on how severe the injury is. Healing times range from a couple of weeks to several months.

How long does it take to heal from an LCL sprain?

• Grade I (Mild): 2–4 weeks. Pain and swelling improve quickly, and daily activity returns soon.
• Grade II (Moderate): 4–8 weeks. Some instability remains during recovery, requiring bracing or therapy.
• Grade III (Severe): 8–12+ weeks. Complete ligament tears may need surgery if instability persists.

What affects recovery speed?

• Age: Younger people heal faster, but older adults may have slower tissue repair.
• Previous injuries: A history of knee problems increases risk of longer recovery.
• Activity level: Athletes often need more rehab before returning to play.
• Treatment adherence: Following therapy, exercises, and bracing makes a big difference.

Recurrence risk and long-term outcomes

If untreated, LCL sprains can lead to chronic knee instability, where the joint feels like it “gives way.” Recurrent sprains increase the chance of meniscus damage or early arthritis. With proper rehab, most people return to full function.

Return-to-work and return-to-sport

• Work: Desk jobs are often resumed quickly, while physically demanding work may take several weeks.
• Sports: Return to play is gradual — athletes must pass functional tests like single-leg hops and agility drills before resuming competition.
• Daily lifestyle: With full recovery, you can expect to walk, climb stairs, and enjoy recreational activity without limitation.

Decision pathway for LCL recovery

1. If mild (Grade I) → Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), and gradual return within 2–4 weeks.
2. If moderate (Grade II) → Bracing, physiotherapy, and progressive rehab; 4–8 weeks to return to normal activity.
3. If severe (Grade III) → Immobilization, structured therapy, and possibly surgery; recovery can take 3 months or more.

Key takeaway: With proper care, most LCL sprains heal fully. Structured rehab and prevention strategies are essential to avoid chronic instability.

Reference:
Phisitkul P, James SL, Wolf BR, Amendola A. (2006). MCL injuries of the knee: current concepts review. Iowa Orthop J, 26:77–90. PMID: 16789469

How to Manage an LCL Sprain

Managing an LCL sprain involves pain relief, activity modification, strengthening, and long-term prevention. Early treatment speeds recovery and lowers the chance of reinjury.

What’s the best way to treat an LCL sprain at home?

In the first 48 hours, use the RICE method:

1. Rest: Avoid heavy activity that stresses the knee.
2. Ice: Apply ice packs for 15–20 minutes several times daily.
3. Compression: Use an elastic bandage or brace to limit swelling.
4. Elevation: Keep your leg raised above heart level to reduce fluid buildup.

Pain relievers like ibuprofen can help with swelling and discomfort.

Step-by-step self-help & relief tips

1. Early stage: Focus on reducing swelling and avoiding reinjury.
2. After 3–5 days: Begin gentle range-of-motion exercises like heel slides.
3. Rehab stage: Progress to strengthening exercises — mini-squats, step-ups, and resistance band movements.
4. Balance training: Practice single-leg standing or wobble board exercises to restore stability.

Prevention strategies

• Strength training: Build strong quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles for knee stability.
• Flexibility: Stretch regularly to avoid tight muscles pulling on the knee.
• Posture and ergonomics: Maintain healthy alignment during sitting, lifting, and sports.
• Protective gear: Use knee braces or taping during high-risk sports.

Therapy and long-term management

• Physiotherapy helps rebuild motion and strength.
• Strength and conditioning coaching supports safe return to sport.
• Lifestyle coaching may address body weight, footwear, or exercise technique.
• Community support (like group exercise or sports rehab classes) helps motivation and consistency.

How is an LCL sprain managed differently from other knee injuries?

Unlike ACL tears, which often require surgery, most LCL sprains can be managed without an operation. However, severe LCL tears, especially when combined with other ligament injuries, may need surgical repair or reconstruction.

Key takeaway: Management of an LCL sprain combines self-care, structured rehab, and prevention strategies. A step-by-step recovery plan helps you heal fully and avoid repeat injuries.

Reference:
Geissler WB, Whipple TL. (1993). Injuries to the lateral and posterolateral structures of the knee. Clin Sports Med, 12(4): 939–959. PMID: 8246324

Multidisciplinary Coordinated Care for LCL Sprain at CARESPACE

An LCL sprain can affect more than just your knee. Pain, swelling, and instability may interfere with work, sports, sleep, and even your confidence in daily activities. At CARESPACE, we take a team-based, multidisciplinary approach to help you recover faster, reduce your risk of reinjury, and support both your physical and mental well-being.

How does CARESPACE treat an LCL sprain differently?

Most clinics focus on a single treatment — for example, prescribing rest or sending you for physiotherapy. At CARESPACE, your recovery is supported by a coordinated team. This means your physiotherapist, chiropractor, massage therapist, kinesiologist, and other specialists communicate and create a personalized plan together.

Instead of addressing only the ligament, our team helps you with:

• Acute recovery: Managing swelling and pain in the early phase.
• Rehabilitation: Restoring mobility, balance, and strength.
• Long-term prevention: Addressing biomechanics, posture, and lifestyle factors to lower the chance of reinjury.

This integrated approach ensures your care covers the whole journey — not just the immediate pain.

👉 Learn more about our physiotherapy for knee injuries.

What does multidisciplinary care for an LCL sprain look like?

Your CARESPACE recovery plan may include several coordinated services:

• Physiotherapy for LCL sprain: Your physiotherapist designs a rehab program to restore knee movement and strength. Exercises progress from gentle range-of-motion to sport-specific drills. Explore physiotherapy services.
• Chiropractic care for knee alignment: Adjustments may support joint mechanics, reducing excess stress on the healing ligament. See how chiropractic can help.
• Massage therapy for recovery: Helps release tight muscles around the knee and improves circulation for healing. Learn about massage therapy benefits.
• Kinesiology and exercise therapy: Builds functional strength, balance, and agility so you can return to work or sport safely.
• Psychotherapy and coaching: Supports you if pain-related stress, frustration, or insomnia make recovery harder.
• Nutrition and naturopathic medicine: Guidance on anti-inflammatory foods and supplements that may promote healing.
• Acupuncture: Can be integrated to manage pain and support recovery in some cases.

By blending these services, CARESPACE creates a cohesive plan that goes beyond what a single-discipline approach can achieve.

Why does a team approach help an LCL sprain recover faster?

Recovering from an LCL sprain isn’t just about waiting for the ligament to heal. If surrounding muscles remain weak, or if stress and poor sleep slow recovery, the risk of chronic instability increases.

With CARESPACE’s team model:

1. Your physical recovery is faster because physiotherapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists work together.
2. Your mental health is supported through psychotherapy, mental performance coaching, and lifestyle strategies to cope with stress and frustration.
3. Your resilience is improved with nutrition, exercise therapy, and long-term injury prevention strategies.

This whole-person care reduces the chance of repeat injuries and helps you feel confident returning to your normal activities.

What does a CARESPACE recovery journey for an LCL sprain look like?

Imagine you injure your knee during a soccer game:

1. Acute phase (first 1–2 weeks): A physiotherapist evaluates the sprain, provides gentle movement exercises, and recommends a brace. Massage therapy may help reduce tension in surrounding muscles.
2. Subacute phase (weeks 3–6): You work with a kinesiologist to rebuild knee strength and balance. A chiropractor ensures your knee and hip alignment are optimal. If stress or sleep issues develop, you may also meet with a psychotherapist.
3. Maintenance phase (6+ weeks): As you regain strength, your team focuses on preventing recurrence. Exercise therapy keeps your knee stable, nutrition supports recovery, and acupuncture may be added for lingering discomfort.

This progressive, team-based model ensures you don’t just heal from the injury — you also build long-term stability and confidence.

How does CARESPACE support the mental side of LCL sprain recovery?

Pain and reduced mobility often cause more than just physical challenges. Many people with an LCL sprain experience:

• Frustration about being sidelined from work or sport.
• Stress and anxiety about reinjury.
• Sleep disruption from pain or discomfort.

At CARESPACE, these factors are addressed directly.

• Psychotherapy helps you develop coping strategies.
• Mental performance coaching supports athletes rebuilding confidence.
• Nutrition guidance improves energy, mood, and recovery.
• Exercise therapy restores trust in movement and reduces fear of reinjury.

By including mental health in the care plan, CARESPACE ensures recovery is complete, not partial.

Why is CARESPACE’s multidisciplinary care better than going it alone?

If you only see one type of provider, parts of your recovery may be missed. For example, a physiotherapist may strengthen your knee but won’t address stress, nutrition, or long-term lifestyle risks. At CARESPACE, all aspects are covered under one coordinated plan.

Advantages of multidisciplinary care for LCL sprain include:

• Faster pain relief and functional recovery.
• Lower recurrence risk through prevention-focused strategies.
• Better support for mental health challenges.
• Personalized, adaptive plans that grow with your progress.
• A confident return to work, sport, and daily life.

Key takeaway: At CARESPACE, your LCL sprain recovery is guided by a team of experts working together, so you heal fully and prevent future injuries.

Related Conditions for LCL Sprain

An LCL sprain affects the ligament on the outer side of your knee, but several other conditions may cause similar pain, swelling, or instability. Recognizing related conditions helps ensure you get the right diagnosis and treatment.

• MCL sprain: Injury to the medial collateral ligament on the inside of the knee. Much more common than LCL sprains.
• ACL tear: Affects the anterior cruciate ligament in the center of the knee. Often occurs with sudden stops or pivots.
• Meniscus tear: Cartilage damage that may cause locking, catching, or clicking in the joint.
• Posterolateral corner (PLC) injury: A more complex injury involving the LCL plus nearby structures, leading to severe instability.
• Knee fracture or dislocation: Rare but serious, often requiring urgent medical care.

If you’re experiencing outer knee pain, it’s important to distinguish between these conditions. Proper evaluation ensures effective treatment and prevents long-term complications.

Looking for information on a different condition? Visit our full Conditions List.