How long do LCL injuries take to heal?
How long do LCL injuries take to heal?
It may take up to eight weeks to fully recover, depending on the grade of your injury. If the lateral collateral ligament was torn where it attaches to the thighbone (femur) or shinbone (tibia), the surgeon will reattach the ligament to the bone using large stitches or a metal bone staple.
How do you know if you tore your LCL?
The symptoms of an LCL injury are similar to other ligament injuries. You may experience pain and tenderness along the outside of the knee, along with swelling. Some people also describe a feeling of instability in their knee when walking, as if the knee may give out, lock or catch.
Can a torn LCL repair itself?
LCL tears rarely need surgery, because the ligament usually heals itself. Surgery is typically only needed when other ligaments or structures of the knee are also injured.
How do you heal an LCL injury?
The initial treatment for most LCL (lateral collateral ligament) injuries involves reducing the pain and inflammation in the knee, and bracing or immobilizing the knee to keep it stabilized. Rest, icing, elevation, and pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen can ease pain and swelling.
Can you still walk with an LCL tear?
You’ll probably also do aerobic exercise, like walking, and wear a knee brace at first. If your LCL tore all the way through, you may need to have surgery to repair it. Athletes who want to play sports again may opt for surgery, for instance.
What are 4 symptoms of a LCL injury?
Symptoms of LCL injuries include:
- Mild or severe pain.
- Instability or buckling of the knee.
- Swelling along the exterior of the knee.
- Tenderness along the exterior of the knee.
- Numbness or weakness in the foot.
- Locking and catching sensations within the knee joint.
Can you walk with torn LCL?
How do you fix a LCL injury?
Most LCL injuries can be treated at home with:
- Rest and protecting your knee.
- Ice or a cold pack.
- Wrapping your knee with an elastic bandage (compression).
- Propping up (elevating) your knee.
- Anti-inflammatory medicine.
Can a partially torn LCL heal itself?
How do you tell if LCL is torn or sprained?
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.
Can you still walk with torn LCL?
Will an LCL heal on its own?
No specific exercise can help a LCL heal. The ligament will heal on its own, and the main thing to do is to prevent re-injury to the ligament during its healing.