Ligament Injuries (MCL/LCL)
What is an MCL/LCL injury?
The MCL (medial collateral ligament) and LCL (lateral collateral ligament) are structures that lie on either side of the knee and connect the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia and fibula (shin bones). The MCL lies on the inside of the knee, while the LCL is found on the outside. These ligaments are composed of strong, dense connective tissue and are very important for stability. Injury occurs when a force applied to the joint is too strong to be resisted and results in a sprain or tear of the ligament.
Common Symptoms
- Pain on the outside or inside of the knee
- Feeling of instability in the knee
- Swelling, redness, heat
- Limited range of motion
Treatment Strategies
Book a physiotherapy or chiropractic appointment to assess your knee injury. Our skilled clinicians can provide information regarding the degree of the injury and the best methods for recovery. MCL and LCL injuries typically recover with conservative methods (such as physiotherapy) and do not require surgery. Our clinicians will help accelerate the recovery process, relieve pain, and restore function.
Some of the treatment techniques that may be beneficial include: