LCL or Lateral Collateral Ligament is situated on the outside of the knee. The LCL ligament links the thigh bone and the shin bone. Injury to this ligament is usually known as a knee sprain and occurs due to the knee being excessively twisted during a game.

LCL injuries are characterized as 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree injuries depending on the level of damage to the ligament.

• 1st degree sprains signify damage to minimal ligament fibres.
• 2nd degree sprains refers to damage to a much larger group of ligament fibres but the ligament is still intact and not ruptured.
• 3rd degree sprains entail a ruptured LCL ligament.

LCL Injuries are common among athletes involved in contact sports such as rugby, when the opponent applies force to the inner part of the legs just below the knee.

The force applied to the inside part of the knee joint may rupture the ligament. Severe cases will involve rupture to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament and the Posterior Cruciate Ligament.

How Do We Know its LCL Knee Ligament Injury?

In 1st degree sprains the player will complain of pain when the knee is touched which will be increased when the player stands up from a sitting position.

In 2nd degree sprains, the player will complain of more intense pain but there may not be visible swelling of the knee.

3rd degree sprains occur when the ligament is totally ruptured and the player will complain of excruciating pain and knee joint will be less stabilized.

How Do We Treat LCL Knee Ligament Injury?

PRICE or protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation should provide the immediate care plan for an LCL injury. However, ice should not be applied directly to the skin as it may cause an ice burn which is why a reusable cold pack is ideal. Pain killing medications prescribed by the doctor may be necessary to reduce inflammation and lessen pain. Elevation of the knee is essential and a bandage may be used to compress the knee to prevent further swelling. Knee braces could also be a lot of assistance in protecting the knee.

In 1st degree sprains, rugby and even jogging should be stopped for 3 weeks.

A 2nd degree sprain takes 6-8 weeks of rehabilitation under the supervision of a physiotherapist.
In most cases a 3rd degree sprain is treated with surgery. The type of reconstructive surgery depends on the position of the ligament.

How Do We Prevent LCL Knee Ligament Injury?

A previous knee injury predisposes the knee for LCL knee ligament injury. However, there are measures to prevent the occurrence of the injury. A knee brace provides knee stability and reassures the knee in activities that require walking or running.

A rehabilitation program with a trained physiotherapist will help. The treatment regimen must include a lot of pro-prioception exercises since this kind of activity is greatly affected by the damage to the ligament. An excellent tool for continuing this kind of exercise is a wobble board, which is mostly done at home in continuation of the treatment regimen with a trained physiotherapist.

Rugby Rescue Recommends Knee Supports

5 Star Rating

Excellent medial and lateral support ideal for footballers. This wrap around design knee brace is suitable for cases of knee instability due to knee ligament injuries.

How does it work?

This high quality knee brace is lightweight and comfortable, with lock-stitch taped seams and fully trimmed edges for durability. The flexible spiral stays and dual criss-cross elastic straps create firm medial and lateral knee support which reproduce the effect of a tape job to support the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) of the knee.

The upper and lower Velcro fasteners act as 'anchors' and knee stabilisers to maintain maximum support. This provides support without compromising mobility and may be more suitable for those engaged in activities that would be overly compromised by a hinged support.

When can I use it?

*Extremely effective in relieving knee pain by taking the stress off knee ligaments that may be injured. *Perfect for injuries to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) or Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL).
*Also provides knee pain relief and knee support following a Cartilage injury or when there is mild Arthritis in the knee.
*Ideal knee brace when you require good knee support but maintain full movement.

Excellent medial and lateral support ideal for footballers. Multi-tiered, plush-lined elastic body with wraparound design.

The Knee sport strap is designed to simulate knee joint strapping techniques used to support the collateral knee ligaments and restrict joint rotation but still enable running