The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) connects the femur (thigh bone) and the head of the fibula (the bone on the outside of the shin).  It is a narrow strong cord of with the diameter of a thin pencil that functions to prevent the knee from collapsing outwards when a force is applied to the inside of the knee.  The LCL is usually injured by a direct impact to the inner aspect of the knee whilst weight-bearing.  The LCL is not connected to the lateral meniscus so injuries to the ligament do not usually damage the meniscus.

Symptoms

• Pain on the lateral aspect of the joint at the joint line.
• Some swelling possible on lateral aspect of joint
• Inability to fully extend (straighten) leg
• Inability to flex knee (bend) knee more than 90 degrees
• Giving way of knee
• Pain aggravated when walking on uneven surface as knee has less stability
• Pain aggravated when walking when pushing off through toe on same leg

What you can do

• Apply RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) procedure

What we can do

• Flushing – massage technique to reduce swelling
• Deep friction massage over ligament to boost circulation and stimulate healing
• Prescription of exercises to strengthen surrounding muscles and stabilise joint

Tags: knee pain, lateral knee pain