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Treatment
How is a lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury treated?
Your treatment will depend on how severe your injury is and whether other parts of your knee are injured.
- Mild or grade 1 injuries. These may only need home treatment along with using crutches for a short time. You may also need to wear a hinged knee brace when your doctor says it's okay for you to put weight on your leg. Many people are able to be active again after about 3 to 4 weeks.
- Moderate or grade 2 injuries. These may require using crutches and wearing a hinged knee brace. Many people are able to be active again after about 8 to 12 weeks.
- Severe or grade 3 injuries. These may require wearing a hinged brace for a few months, and limiting weight on the leg for at least 6 weeks. Many people are able to be active again after about 8 to 12 weeks.
A severe tear may need surgery. But this usually isn't done unless you also injure other parts of your knee, such as the ACL or meniscus.
Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to increase range of motion and strengthen your muscles.