Collateral Ligaments and other non-cruciate tendons & ligaments around the knee :

LCL Sprain or Meniscus Tear? - - Posted by Amanda (Amanda), 2 September 2004

Hi there
Four weeks ago I rolled off the couch trying to get away from being tickled and wrenched my knee.  I didn't think too much of it at the time but it was quite sore that afternoon and has continued.  It is the lateral side and tender, swolen and uncomfortable to walk on.  I saw a OS after 10 days, he said I had just upset it and that it was unlikely I had torn my meniscus again and to come back in 6 weeks if it is still sore and then I could have an MRI.  It is 4 weeks now and it is the same.  If I have sprained my LCL should it have improved some by now?  I am so scared that I have torn my meniscus again.  I am travelling in 6 months and am very worried.  Please help.
Posted by ATsoccergirl (ATsoccergirl), 2 September 2004

The LCL is a tricky ligament to have heal on it's own.  It is very similar in structure to the cruciate ligaments.  It has a poor blood supply unlike the MCL which is actually part of the capsule.  Most lower grade injuries heal decently without surgical intervention, but higher grade injuries are treat best surgically either using a primary repair or reconstructive procedure.  Just give your injury some time and keep your muscles as strong as possible.
Posted by Amanda (Amanda), 6 September 2004

I have noticed some improvement in the last few days. YAY!

If it is a LCL sprain, when it gets better is it likely to stay better? Or is it possible that it could flare back up again with exercise?  If it is a meniscal tear then exercise could stir it back up again?  I have been resting it completely and doing lots of seated quad exercises.

This old Forum was so valuable that we have kept it as an archive. It is just for reference. If you want to ask questions or offer advice, there is also a current Bulletin Board which you can access from our home page.

Hunting for information is a slow process. browsing through these topics will probably raise a lot of questions in your mind. Don't forget that there is a whole site behind these forums - just click the 'KNEEguru' home button at the top left of your page when you are ready to access it.