How long does a sprained lateral collateral ligament take to heal?
Recovery time for an MCL or LCL sprain is usually between four to six weeks. This may vary depending on the grade of your MCL or LCL sprain.
What does a sprained LCL feel like?
Symptoms of LCL Injury If you hurt your LCL, it’s common to have pain and swelling. These symptoms are also common: Your knee may feel stiff, sore, or tender along the outer edge. Your knee may feel like it could give out when you’re walking or standing.
How do you heal a sprained LCL?
Are there any at-home treatments for LCL tears?
- Rest your knee.
- Apply ice.
- Compress your knee by wrapping it with an elastic bandage.
- Prop your knee up (elevate it) on a pillow to reduce swelling.
- Take anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin® and Advil®) and naproxen (Aleve®).
How do you tell if LCL is sprained or torn?
To diagnose an LCL injury, your doctor will examine your knee and look for swelling. They’ll also move your knee in various directions to determine where your pain is and how severe your symptoms are. If your doctor believes you may have a torn ligament, you may undergo imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans.
What is a Grade 1 LCL sprain?
Doctors categorize LCL sprains as: Grade 1: The ligament overstretches but does not tear. It can result in mild pain or swelling. A grade 1 sprain does not usually affect joint stability. Grade 2: The knee ligament partially tears.
How do you test for a torn LCL?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI provides a detailed image of the soft tissue surrounding the knee joint, including the ligaments. An MRI is helpful in confirming a diagnosis and determining the severity of an LCL tear.
How can I speed up my LCL recovery?
Try physical therapy Leg and knee exercises can improve range of motion and strength, as well as help prevent further injury. Physical therapists may also recommend massage or other treatments to speed up recovery and reduce symptoms.
When should I see a doctor for LCL injury?
At Your Knee Specialist Appointment If an LCL tear is left untreated, the knee may become unstable and prone to further injury over time. That’s why it’s so important to visit the doctor as soon as possible, rather than later, before the injury can take a toll on the surrounding tissue systems.
How long does a Grade 1 LCL sprain take to heal?
A minor, or grade 1, LCL tear can take from a few days to a week and a half to heal sufficiently for you to return to normal activities, including sports. A grade 2 tear can take from two to four weeks.
Should you wear a brace with LCL injury?
The ligament might be injured in sports such as football or soccer when the inside of the knee is hit. Minor LCL injuries usually get better with treatment at home. Your doctor may suggest that you wear a brace. It can help support your knee.
What does a Grade 2 LCL sprain feel like?
Grade II LCL Sprain These are characterized by a partial tear in the ligament. There can be moderate to severe pain along with increased tenderness and noticeable swelling of the joint. Bruising may be evident in the area. The knee will feel loose and unstable as if it were going to give way when weight is applied.
Where do you ice a sprained LCL?
Put ice or a cold pack on your knee for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours (when you’re awake) for the first 3 days after your injury or until the swelling goes down. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
Where is LCL pain located?
People with knee lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries often report a combination of the following symptoms: Pain along the outside of the knee. This can be mild to severe depending on the severity of the tear. Tenderness.