website

What are 4 Symptoms of an LCL Injury?

What are 4 Symptoms of an LCL Injury?

What is LCL? The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is a band of tissue on the outer side of the knee. It connects the femur of the thigh to the fibula of the calf.  

The LCL can stabilize the lateral side of the knee joint, especially when the knees are placed under stress or knee flexion and rotation. In simpler words, it prevents your knees from bending outward abnormally.

An LCL injury usually occurs when this ligament tears upon overuse, often leading to pain, swelling, and bruising.

Learning what an LCL injury is, knowing "What are 4 symptoms of an LCL injury", and recognizing its symptoms early on can help minimize the recovery period.

Fivali Knee Brace for LCL Injury - Guide

What are 4 Symptoms of an LCL Injury?

What are 4 symptoms of an LCL injury? There are four major signs of LCL tears. If you experience any of them, you should visit your nearest healthcare professional to assess the injury site. You may further undergo knee joint X-rays to determine the severity of your injury.

1. Pain

A lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury is usually the result of external pressure over the ligament or a collision that pushes the knee joint from the inside, leading to stress on the outer part of the joint.

Immediately following the LCL knee injury, you may feel sharp pain around and from the center of the knee. The level of pain may vary depending on the severity of your injury.  

2. Swelling

The second major symptom you will notice right after the injury is swelling and tenderness around the afflicted knee. The swelling may happen immediately following the injury or may even develop two to three hours after it has occurred.

It is usually the result of bleeding from internally injured blood vessels. This is also one of the body's natural responses to injury that prevents us from using the area and giving it time to heal.

3. Bruising

Some people may experience slight bruising on the skin around the knee, which may also be the result of blood vessels tearing under the skin. The blood leaks into areas under the skin, causing bruising.

4. Instability or Looseness

After the LCL tear, you may find it difficult to put weight on your knee, experience instability or looseness when you move around, or feel as if your knee is likely to give way.
Alternatively, you may feel stiffness or locked knees. If the knee opens up slightly (less than half an inch) when moved, then you may have completely torn your lateral collateral ligament—usually known as a grade 3 LCL tear, one of the most severe kinds.
Now you know, “What are 4 symptoms of an LCL injury?”
 

What Causes LCL Injury?

The causes of LCL injuries are usually related to the following factors:

1. Direct Impact

Direct impact to the knee can cause the lateral collateral ligament to be stretched, worn down, or torn. This is because a direct blow to the inside of the knee can also impact the ligament. Falling over and directly hitting your knee on the pavement can lead to an LCL knee injury.

2. Improper Exercise Techniques

Exercising the lower half of the body involves much movement around the knees, including pivoting, flexing, or jumping. However, improper technique and posture during exercise can lead to wear and tear around the knees. Over time, it can lead to knee instability and LCL injuries.

3. Loss of Balance in the Body

Loss of balance in the body when walking, running, or sprinting can place pressure on the knees, often leading to an LCL stretch. This is due to the knee joint being subjected to abnormal force, causing the LCL to strain and tear.

4. Sports

LCL injuries are much more common among athletes, particularly those who engage in direct-contact sports such as basketball, football, skiing, and hockey. These sports usually involve quick turning or changing direction, placing sudden pressure on the knee, and straining the lateral collateral ligament.
For example, football players could suffer from direct impact at the knee, basketball players need to jump up and down, and soccer players who must swiftly change directions are at risk of an LCL knee injury. Those who have had a previous LCL injury are at greater risk of getting injured again.
Fivali Knee Brace for Lateral Collateral Ligament Injury - Guide

How to Alleviate LCL Injury?

Pain, swelling, and instability are common signs you will experience during recovery. An LCL injury usually takes around 3 to 12 weeks to heal, which depends on the severity of your case.

The following are general treatment recommendations for different levels of LCL injury:

1. Level 1 Injury Treatment

Level 1 LCL injury is mild, and your ligament is only lightly overstretched. It allows for home treatment, so you can adhere to the RICE principles of rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Using crutches for mild activity when necessary can reduce pressure on the lateral collateral ligament.

In addition, wearing a hinged knee brace can provide additional stability and help protect the knee joint, especially during activity. LCL injuries at this stage typically take 3 to 4 weeks to heal. [1] 

2. Level 2 Injury Treatment

Level 2 LCL injuries are considered moderate, with a partial tear or overstretching in the ligament. You may experience slight knee instability along with pain and inflammation around the knee.This type of injury will demand a professional diagnosis to determine the exact degree of the injury and a treatment plan. More alleviative methods include physical therapy and reduced movement to prevent further injury. Moreover, a hinged knee brace for lateral collateral ligament injury support is useful to maintain stability. At home, you can follow the RICE principle. The total recovery period can stretch from eight to twelve weeks.

3. Level 3 Injury Treatment

Level 3 injury is the most severe LCL tear, in which your ligament could be separated or torn completely, leading to complete instability of the knees. This grade of injury may need surgical intervention.
Appropriate care and rehabilitation plans, such as physical therapy and medication, are required after surgery to promote healing. In the early stages of injury, anti-inflammatory drugs are needed to control pain and swelling. In addition, it is necessary to wear a knee brace for LCL injury for a longer period of time to provide sustained support.
 

Fivali's Hinged Knee Braces for LCL Recovery

Now, you know “what are 4 symptoms of an LCL injury,"  its causes, and how you can alleviate the pain and recover faster. If you are looking for a knee brace that can provide stability and support while also providing protection and pain relief, Fivali’s hinged knee braces are a good choice.
Our specially designed braces help support the knees, reduce pain, and improve stability for those recovering from an LCL knee injury. The Fivali hinged knee brace comes with two hinges on both sides to help prevent excess flexion, extension, or rolling during your recovery. They are highly recommended for those who suffer from level 2 or 3 LCL tears.

Fivali Hinged Knee Brace for LCL Injury - Guide

 

Lateral collateral ligament injury is a common knee joint injury, with symptoms including pain, swelling, bruising, and instability of the knee joint. The method of treating LCL injuries depends on the severity of the injury, generally including the RICE principle, wearing LCL knee braces, and appropriate exercise and physical therapy.

Choosing appropriate knee pads, such as Fivali's hinged knee pads, can provide necessary support and protection for the knee joint, helping to accelerate the recovery process. Visit our website to explore detailed information on hinged knee braces!

 

References

[1] LCL Tears. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21710-lcl-tears (Accessed: 24 June 2024)

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

Add Order Note
Add A Coupon

What are you looking for?

Popular Searches:  Back Brace  Shoulder Brace  Knee Brace  Ankle Brace  Elbow Brace  Wrist Brace  Pain Relief Products  Blogs  

Popular Products


Fivali Back Brace Posture Corrector Shoulder Straightener for Men Women FBR03
Regular price$49.99-10%
Cordless Back Brace Massager with Infrared Heat FBH02
Regular price$116.99-10%
Fivali Full Back Brace for Back Straighten and Posture Correction
Regular price$42.99-10%
Wireless Heated Back Brace Massager FBH03
Regular price$76.99-10%
Fivali Adjustable Back Supports Belts Provide Targeted Stability
Regular price$32.99-10%
Magnetic Heat Back Brace with Removable Pads FBH01
Regular price$49.99-20%
Fivali Lower Back Brace with Compression Strap for Back Pain Relief
Regular price$33.99-10%
Heated Lumbar Brace with Removable Pad FBH04
Regular price$44.99-10%
Fivali Back Belt FBR02

Someone liked and Bought

Fivali Back Belt FBR02

10 Minutes Ago From Chicago

RuffRuff App RuffRuff App by Tsun