Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Injury: The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) acts to stabilise the outside of the knee. It runs from the outer surface of the bottom of our thigh bone to the head of our fibula (outside shin bone). Injuries to this ligament are rare but can occur when excessive stress is applied to the inside of the knee forcing the inner part of the knee to stretch and open the lateral knee joint.

LCL strains usually occur with another injury and are graded by the amount of damaged ligament fibres for e.g. a stretch (Grade 1), partial tear (Grade 2), or complete tear (Grade 3). Depending on the grade of LCL strain, you may experience, tenderness along the outside of the knee, swelling, locking/catching with bending and straightening the knee or giving way of the knee in turning movements.

Following a thorough examination and diagnosis, conservative physiotherapy is the preferred treatment option over surgery. Good results with full recovery can be achieved with a quick diagnosis, manual therapy, acupuncture and an individualised, specific strengthening program.