An injury to the ligament on the outside of your knee joint can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is one such ligament that runs along the outer side of your knee, connecting your thigh bone to your shin bone. An LCL sprain can occur when this ligament gets stretched or torn due to sudden impact or twisting motion. Although it’s not as common as ACL or MCL injuries, it’s still crucial to identify an LCL sprain early on and get proper treatment. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some signs and symptoms of LCL sprains that can help you determine whether you one.
Pain and Swelling – If you experience pain and swelling on the outer side of your knee after a fall, collision, or twisting motion, it could be a sign of an LCL sprain. The pain may range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the injury. You may also notice bruising around your knee joint.
Stiffness and Limited Range of Motion – An LCL sprain can make it difficult for you to move your knee freely. You may feel stiffness or tightness in the joint, making it challenging to walk, run, or climb stairs.
Instability – If you feel like your knee is giving way or feels unstable when you put weight on it, you may have an LCL sprain. This instability can be due to damage to the ligament that helps keep your knee joint stable.
Popping Sound – A popping sound at the time of injury could be another sign of an LCL sprain. This sound indicates that there has been significant damage to the ligament.
Seeking Professional Help – While these signs and symptoms can help you identify if you have an LCL sprain, it’s always advisable to seek professional help. A physiotherapist or a chiropractor can assess your injury and provide you with the right treatment plan. They may recommend rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) therapy, physiotherapy, or in severe cases, surgery.
An LCL sprain can be painful and inconvenient if left untreated. It’s essential to identify the signs and symptoms early on to prevent further damage to your knee joint. If you experience any of these symptoms mentioned above, it’s best to consult a professional as soon as possible. Remember that proper diagnosis and treatment are critical for a speedy recovery.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment. Dr. Tyler Baron is a chiropractor in Kitchener.
