Can you have a torn LCL without swelling?

Grade 1 LCL sprain

If you have a grade 1 sprain your knee will feel tender on the outside. You will have little or no swelling. However, you will feel pain with the varus stress test (see below), but no joint laxity.

Can you tear LCL without swelling?

Symptoms of an LCL injury can be mild or severe, depending on the severity of the sprain or if it's torn. If the ligament is mildly sprained, you may not have any symptoms at all. For a partial tear or complete tear of the ligament, your symptoms may include: swelling of the knee (especially the outer aspect)

How do you tell if LCL is torn or sprained?

What are 4 symptoms of a LCL injury?

What does a partial LCL tear feel like?

A feeling that the knee may give way under stress and isn't stable. A locking or catching in the joint when it is moved. Numbness or weakness in the foot may occur if the peroneal nerve, which is near the ligament is stretched during the injury or is pressed by swelling in surrounding tissues.

Have I Torn My LCL? - Lateral Collateral Ligament

What does a strained LCL feel like?

If you sprain your MCL or LCL, you may have symptoms such as: Knee pain and swelling. Tenderness over the injured ligament. Weakness or instability at your knee joint.

What is a Grade 1 LCL sprain?

Doctors categorize LCL sprains as: Grade 1: The ligament overstretches but does not tear. It can result in mild pain or swelling. A grade 1 sprain does not usually affect joint stability. Grade 2: The knee ligament partially tears.

Where do you feel the pain from a torn LCL?

What are the Symptoms? The symptoms of an LCL injury are similar to other ligament injuries. You may experience pain and tenderness along the outside of the knee, along with swelling. Some people also describe a feeling of instability in their knee when walking, as if the knee may give out, lock or catch.

How long does a Grade 1 LCL sprain take to heal?

Recovery. Expected recovery usually occurs in 3 weeks to 3 months, depending on the severity of the injury, although lingering minor stiffness and soreness for six months is not uncommon.

What happens if an LCL tear goes untreated?

If an LCL tear is left untreated, the knee may become unstable and prone to further injury over time. That's why it's so important to visit the doctor as soon as possible, rather than later, before the injury can take a toll on the surrounding tissue systems.

How long are you out if you tear your LCL?

A minor, or grade 1, LCL tear can take from a few days to a week and a half to heal sufficiently for you to return to normal activities, including sports. A grade 2 tear can take from two to four weeks.

Can you still walk with a torn ligament in your knee?

In most cases, the injured person can still walk with the torn knee ligament. But the movement will be severely limited, not to mention painful. Surgery may be the best route to a pain-free life, with amazing success rates.

Can a partially torn LCL heal itself?

LCL tears rarely need surgery, because the ligament usually heals itself. Surgery is typically only needed when other ligaments or structures of the knee are also injured.

Can partial LCL tear heal on its own?

However, when the LCL is injured, people may have pain, swelling, and instability of the knee joint. Partial tears of the lateral collateral ligament will typically heal with nonsurgical treatment, whereas complete tears of the ligament often require a surgical repair.

What does an LCL tear sound like?

Following an injury to the LCL, common signs and symptoms are a 'popping' sound at the time of injury, immediate pain with weight bearing and swelling and a feeling instability.

Would I know if I tore LCL?

The symptoms of a tear in the lateral collateral ligament can include: Knee swelling. Locking or catching of your knee with movement. Pain or tenderness along the outside of your knee.

Can you see LCL tear on xray?

While most LCL tears can be diagnosed without medical imaging, a doctor may order an x-ray or MRI to rule out other possible injuries and to determine the severity of an LCL tear. X-ray. An x-ray shows bones and can help determine if there is a fracture.

How common is an LCL tear?

Thousands of people every year have LCL injuries, including stretches, partial tears or complete tears. An LCL injury is usually a result of the knee joint being pushed from the inside of the leg during an accident, sports or a fall.

Which is worse MCL or LCL tear?

While not always the case, an ACL tear is in most cases going to be the more severe injury. It is considered worse than tearing the MCL because ACL tears are in general more complex to treat and require a longer recovery time after surgery.

Can a torn knee ligament go unnoticed?

Please note: In some instances, you may not experience any swelling or severe pain when you tear your ACL. We've had patients come in with discomfort, not realizing it was an actual tear because they didn't experience any of these common symptoms.

What is the easiest ligament to tear in your knee?

Cruciate ligaments

The ACL is one of the most common ligaments to be injured. The ACL is often stretched or torn during a sudden twisting motion. This is when the feet stay planted one way, but the knees turn the other way. Slowing down while running or landing from a jump incorrectly can cause ACL injuries.

What is the most painful ligament to tear in your knee?

The quick answer is that the ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is most likely to be considered the worst ligament in the knee to tear.

What is a Grade 2 LCL injury?

This injury represents an incomplete (Grade II) or a complete (Grade III) rupture of the collagen fibers which connect the ends of the femur (thigh bone) and the fibula (lower leg bone).

Do you need crutches for a torn LCL?

If you have a collateral ligament injury, you may need: Crutches to walk until the swelling and pain get better. A brace to support and stabilize your knee. Physical therapy to help improve joint motion and leg strength.