The knee joint is supported by several strong bands of tissue called ligaments, which connect bones and provide stability. Among these, the Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) plays an important role in maintaining the knee’s integrity. It is located on the outer side of the knee and helps to prevent the knee from bending abnormally outward.
Pinpointing LCL Pain
Pain originating from the LCL is typically felt on the outside of the knee. This ligament is a cord-like structure that stretches from the lateral epicondyle of the femur (thigh bone) down to the head of the fibula (the smaller bone in the lower leg). Pain is often localized along this specific path, just below the knee joint on the outer aspect. You might experience a distinct tender spot when pressing on the area. The pain can sometimes radiate slightly up the thigh or down the leg along the fibula head, and movements that put stress on the outside of the knee, such as bending or twisting the knee outwards, commonly worsen this pain.
Common Activities and Injuries Causing LCL Pain
A common mechanism involves a direct blow to the inside of the knee, which forces the knee to bend unnaturally outward, creating excessive stress on the LCL. This outward force is known as varus stress. Hyperextension of the knee, where the joint is pushed beyond its normal range of motion, can also lead to LCL injury. These injuries are often seen in sports that involve sudden changes in direction, pivoting, or direct collisions, such as football, soccer, basketball, and skiing. Falls or other accidents where the knee is subjected to an unusual sideways push can also result in LCL pain.
Accompanying Symptoms
Beyond the localized pain on the outside of the knee, an LCL injury can present with several other noticeable symptoms. Swelling often develops around the outside of the knee joint, sometimes appearing shortly after the injury. Individuals might experience stiffness in the knee, making it difficult to fully bend or straighten the leg. A feeling of instability, or the sensation that the knee might “give way” or buckle, is also a common complaint, particularly with more severe LCL injuries. Bruising may appear around the outer knee due to damage to small blood vessels.
When to Consult a Professional
Seek medical attention for LCL pain if symptoms are severe or do not improve with initial home care. You should consult a healthcare provider if the pain is intense, if there is significant swelling, or if you are unable to bear weight on the affected leg. If symptoms like numbness or weakness in the foot occur, this could indicate potential nerve involvement and requires immediate medical assessment. A proper diagnosis ensures appropriate treatment and helps rule out more complex injuries involving other knee structures.