Symptoms

• Swelling of the knee (especially the outer aspect)
• Stiffness of the knee joint that can cause locking of the knee
• Pain or soreness on the outside of the knee
• Instability of the knee joint (feeling like it’s going to give out)

Diagnosis

• To diagnose an LCL injury, your doctor will examine your knee and look for swelling. They’ll also move your knee in various directions to determine where your pain is and how severe your symptoms are.
• If your doctor believes you may have a torn ligament, you may undergo imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans. These tests will allow your doctor to see the soft tissues inside the knee.

Prevention

Its difficult to prevent knee ligament injuries because they’re often a result of an accident or unforeseen circumstance. However, several preventive measures can help minimize the risk of a knee ligament injury, including:

• Using proper technique and alignment when doing physical activities, including walking
• Stretching regularly to maintain good range of motion in the body
• Strengthening the muscles of the upper and lower legs to help stabilize the joint
• Using caution when playing sports where knee injuries are common, such as soccer and football