The LCL or lateral collateral ligament is a band of tissue that provides stability to the outer side of the knee. An LCL sprain occurs when this ligament is stretched or torn. While not as common as other knee injuries LCL sprains can still cause significant pain and discomfort. In this blog post, we will discuss the signs and symptoms of an LCL sprain, as well as available treatment options such as chiropractic care and physiotherapy.
Symptoms of an LCL Sprain
A sprained LCL can cause pain along the outer side of the knee along with swelling and tenderness in the area. You may also experience instability in the knee or a feeling that your knee is giving out. It is common to hear a popping sound at the time of injury.
Seeking immediate medical attention is crucial, as untreated LCL injuries can lead to long-term knee problems.
Chiropractic Care for LCL Sprains
Chiropractic care involves the use of spinal adjustments, rehabilitative exercises, and other non-invasive techniques to restore the body’s natural alignment and promote healing. When it comes to LCL sprains, chiropractors can help by reducing inflammation and improving joint mobility. They use techniques like cold laser, ultrasound, and electrical muscle stimulation, which help reduce swelling and pain. Chiropractors can also offer advice on stretching and strengthening exercises specific to the LCL to improve healing and prevent recurrence.
Physiotherapy for LCL Sprains
Physiotherapy is a form of rehabilitation that focuses on improving movement and function. For LCL sprain patients, physiotherapy can help reduce swelling and pain and improve strength and mobility in the knee. Depending on the severity of the injury, physiotherapists may use manual treatment, which involves hands-on techniques to improve joint alignment and function. They also use specific exercises to strengthen the LCL and other muscles around the knee to provide support and reduce the risk of further injury.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If you experience symptoms like pain, swelling, and instability in your knee, it’s essential to seek medical advice. A chiropractor or physiotherapist can diagnose your LCL sprain and provide you with appropriate treatment options. While mild cases can often be treated with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers, more severe cases may require surgery.
Preventing LCL Sprains
Avoiding LCL sprains is crucial to your knee joint’s long-term health. To reduce the risk of injury, you should always warm up before exercising, wear supportive footwear, and practice proper techniques for your chosen sports activities. Strengthening your leg muscles, particularly those around the knee joint, can also help improve joint stability and decrease the risk of an LCL injury.
LCL sprains can be painful and debilitating, but it’s important to remember that proper diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in your recovery. Chiropractic care and physiotherapy are two excellent options for treating LCL sprains, along with rest, ice, and pain relief medication if needed. Remember to seek medical advice if you experience any symptoms of an LCL sprain, and take steps to prevent future injuries.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapist at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
