Medial and Lateral Collateral Ligament Injuries: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Reviewed By – Dr. Sameer Gohir
PhD, MSc, PG Cert MSK ultrasound, PG Cert. Non-Medical Prescribing, MCSP, MAPPN

What Is MCL and LCL Injuries?

Collateral ligament injuries involve damage to the two ligaments located on the sides of the knee: the medial collateral ligament (MCL) on the inner side and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) on the outer side.

These ligaments play a crucial role in stabilizing the knee during movement, particularly in activities that involve side-to-side motion and quick pivots.

If knee pain or instability from an MCL or LCL injury is affecting your movement, help is close by. With clinics near Kent and Essex, Joint Injection Clinic offers expert care to support your recovery and get you moving confidently again.

Schedule your consultation now!
MCL and LCL Injuries Treatment Near Kent and Essex

Common Causes of MCL and LCL Injuries

Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury Causes

MCL injuries commonly occur due to:

  • Direct Impact: A forceful blow to the outside of the knee can push the knee inward, leading to an MCL tear.
  • Twisting Movements: Athletic activities that involve sudden directional changes can stretch or tear the ligament.
  • Falling or Landing Awkwardly: Impact during sports, such as football, soccer, or skiing, can also cause injury.

MCL injuries are often graded from mild (Grade 1) to severe (Grade 3), with higher grades indicating a more extensive tear.

Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Injury Causes

LCL injuries can occur under similar circumstances but involve stress on the outer knee:

  • Direct Blow: A hit to the inner side of the knee can push it outward, leading to LCL damage.
  • Twisting and Cutting Movements: As with MCL injuries, twisting or pivoting during sports can lead to an LCL injury, particularly in contact sports.

Like the MCL, LCL injuries are also classified from Grade 1 to Grade 3 based on severity.

Symptoms of Collateral Ligament Injuries

For both MCL and LCL injuries, symptoms may include:

  • Pain on the inner (MCL) or outer (LCL) side of the knee.
  • Swelling around the knee joint.
  • Instability, where the knee feels like it may give way or buckle.
  • Tenderness upon touch along the affected side.

How are MCL and LCL Injuries Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination where a healthcare provider assesses the knee for stability, tenderness, and swelling. Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other injuries.

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Treatment for MCL and LCL Injuries

For both MCL and LCL injuries, initial treatment often follows the RICE protocol:

  • Rest: Limiting movement to allow the ligament to heal.
  • Ice: Applying ice packs to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
  • Compression: Using elastic bandages to minimize swelling.
  • Elevation: Keeping the knee elevated above heart level to decrease swelling.
  • Physiotherapy: Post-injury rehabilitation focuses on restoring strength and range of motion through guided exercises. A physical therapist may develop a tailored program based on the specific injury and activity level.

Surgical Treatment for MCL and LCL Injuries

  • MCL Injuries: Most cases do not require surgery and heal with conservative management. Severe injuries or those accompanied by other ligament tears may necessitate surgical intervention. The surgery may involve repairing or reconstructing the ligament using grafts from the patient’s body or a donor.
  • LCL Injuries: Similarly, Grade 1 injuries usually heal well with conservative care. However, Grade 2 and Grade 3 tears, particularly when other ligaments are involved, may require surgery to repair the ligament.

Recovery and Prognosis

Recovery time varies by injury severity:

  • Grade 1: Generally heals within 1 to 3 weeks.
  • Grade 2: May take 4 to 6 weeks.
  • Grade 3: Can require 6 weeks or longer and may necessitate surgery.

With proper treatment and rehabilitation, many patients, including athletes, return to their regular activities, sometimes with protective bracing during sports.

Prevention Tips

To help reduce the risk of collateral ligament injuries:

  • Engage in proper warm-up and conditioning exercises focusing on strength and flexibility.
  • Practice safe landings and pivoting techniques in sports.
  • Consider wearing knee braces during high-risk activities to provide additional support.

Conclusion

Collateral ligament injuries, while common, can often be effectively treated through conservative or surgical methods. Understanding the causes and symptoms, along with early intervention, facilitate a successful recovery and a return to an active lifestyle.

Get Help for MCL and LCL Injuries at Joint Injection Clinic

If an MCL or LCL injury is causing knee pain, swelling, or instability, you don’t have to manage it alone. At Joint Injection Clinic, our experienced team offers personalised, evidence-based treatments to reduce pain and support knee stability.

We welcome patients at all three of our clinics:

Dartford Clinic – ideal for those in Kent and South East London

Address: Unit 30, 1st Floor, The Base Dartford Business Park, Victoria Road, Dartford, DA1 5FS.

Romford Clinic – easily accessible from Essex and Greater London

Address: Room no 8, Alliance Office Space 2-4 Eastern Road, Romford, Essex, RM1 3PJ.

Canterbury Clinic – serving East Kent and surrounding areas

Address: 12-17 Upper Bridge Street, Canterbury, CT1 2NF, United Kingdom.


From ultrasound-guided assessments to targeted physiotherapy and rehabilitation plans, our specialists can help manage knee pain effectively, aiding your recovery and helping you return to the activities you enjoy.

Schedule your consultation now!