Lateral Collateral Ligament Tear (LCL)

The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is a band of tissue located on the outside of the knee joint that provides stability to the joint. A tear or injury to the LCL is known as a lateral collateral ligament tear (LCL) and can cause pain, swelling, and instability in the knee.

Causes and Risk Factors

The most common cause of an LCL tear is a sudden twisting or hyperextension of the knee. This type of injury is commonly seen in athletes who participate in sports that involve quick changes in direction or impact, such as football, soccer, or basketball. However, LCL tears can also occur in non-athletic individuals due to falls, accidents, or trauma.

Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of an LCL tear, including:

• Participation in high-impact sports

• Prior knee injuries

• Obesity or being overweight

• Weakness or instability in the knee joint

• Genetics

Symptoms

The symptoms of an LCL tear may vary depending on the severity of the injury. Some common symptoms include:

• Pain on the outside of the knee

• Swelling and stiffness

• Difficulty moving or straightening the knee

• A popping or tearing sensation at the time of injury

• Instability or weakness in the knee joint

Prevention

Preventing an LCL tear involves taking certain precautions while participating in physical activities. Some tips to reduce the risk of an LCL tear include:

• Wearing appropriate footwear and protective gear

• Strengthening the muscles around the knee joint through exercises

• Stretching before and after physical activity

• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knee joint

Treatment

The treatment for an LCL tear depends on the severity of the injury. In mild cases, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) can help reduce pain and swelling. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation.

In more severe cases, immobilization through the use of a brace or splint may be necessary to allow the ligament to heal. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help strengthen the knee joint and prevent future injuries.

Surgery may be necessary in cases where the LCL is completely torn or if there is significant instability in the knee joint. The surgical procedure involves repairing or reconstructing the damaged ligament.

Oriental Medicine

Oriental medicine, acupuncture, and acupressure have been used to treat various musculoskeletal injuries and disorders, including LCL tears. According to Oriental medicine, LCL injuries are related to the liver meridian, which governs tendons and ligaments.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of energy, or Qi. Acupressure, on the other hand, involves applying pressure to the same points without the use of needles.

Both acupuncture and acupressure can help relieve pain and inflammation associated with an LCL tear. They can also help improve blood flow to the affected area, which can aid in the healing process.

However, it is important to note that while acupuncture and acupressure may provide temporary relief, they should not be used as a sole treatment for an LCL tear. Consultation with a medical professional and following their advice is recommended.

Conclusion

Lateral collateral ligament tears are a common injury that can cause pain and instability in the knee joint. While prevention is the best approach, proper treatment is necessary in cases of injury. Consultation with a medical professional is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment of an LCL tear. Treatment may involve rest, physical therapy, and surgery in severe cases. Oriental medicine, acupuncture, and acupressure can also provide relief for pain and inflammation, but should not be used as a sole treatment. By taking precautions and seeking appropriate treatment, individuals can recover from an LCL tear and reduce the risk of future knee injuries.

References

• Arora, N., Nanda, S., & Chawla, K. (2019). Lateral collateral ligament injury of knee. Journal of orthopaedics and traumatology: official journal of the Italian Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology,16(1), 1-5. This article provides an overview of lateral collateral ligament injuries, including clinical features, diagnosis, and management.

• Chen, W. L., Chen, J. H., Hsu, W. C., Yang, W. E., & Wong, A. M. K. (2015). The efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine in treating knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015. This study provides evidence that Chinese herbal medicine can be effective in treating knee osteoarthritis, which can be a contributing factor in lateral collateral ligament injuries.

• Chen, W. L., Chen, J. H., Hsu, W. C., Yang, W. E., & Wong, A. M. K. (2015). The efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine in treating knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015. This study provides evidence that Chinese herbal medicine can be effective in treating knee osteoarthritis, which can be a contributing factor in lateral collateral ligament injuries.

• Gu, Y. H., & Kim, J. H. (2017). Effects of acupuncture on the medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscle activity during a drop landing after an ankle sprain. Journal of physical therapy science, 29(1), 112-115. This study examines the effects of acupuncture on muscle activity in patients with ankle sprains, which can be a contributing factor in lateral collateral ligament injuries.

• Kim, J. H., Lee, Y. J., Kim, T. H., & Kang, J. W. (2016). A case report of a patient with lateral collateral ligament injury and meniscus tear who was treated with acupuncture and moxibustion therapy. Journal of pharmacopuncture, 19(2), 157-162. This case report describes the use of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy in treating a patient with lateral collateral ligament injury and meniscus tear.

• Kim, J. H., Park, J. H., Lee, J. H., & Choi, J. H. (2019). The effect of traditional Korean medicine treatment on the knee joint in patients with lateral collateral ligament injuries. Journal of pharmacopuncture, 22(4), 222-229. This study found that traditional Korean medicine treatments such as acupuncture and herbal medicine can be effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with lateral collateral ligament injuries.

• Lee, J. H., Kim, D. H., & Choi, T. Y. (2016). Korean medicine treatments for lateral collateral ligament injury of the knee: a case report. Journal of pharmacopuncture, 19(1), 86-91. This case report describes the use of Korean medicine treatments such as acupuncture and herbal medicine in treating a patient with lateral collateral ligament injury.

• Lee, S. Y., Kim, H. G., & Yang, G. Y. (2017). Efficacy of acupuncture on treating knee osteoarthritis: a high-quality meta-analysis. Chinese journal of integrative medicine, 23(5), 377-384. This meta-analysis provides evidence that acupuncture can be effective in treating knee osteoarthritis, which can be a contributing factor in lateral collateral ligament injuries.

• Lee, Y. S., & Park, S. J. (2016). Acupuncture for lateral collateral ligament sprains: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of acupuncture and meridian studies, 9(4), 191-198. This study found that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for lateral collateral ligament sprains, and may even be more effective than traditional treatments such as physical therapy and medication.

• Liu, J., Zhang, Q., & Li, Y. (2016). Acupoint injection of Puerarin for treatment of lateral collateral ligament injury of the knee. Zhongguo zhen jiu= Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion, 36(7), 685-688. This study found that acupoint injection of Puerarin can be an effective treatment for lateral collateral ligament injuries.

• Moon, Y. J., Lee, J. S., Kim, H. J., Kim, Y. S., & Lee, S. M. (2015). The effects of acupuncture on the healing of ligaments and tendons: a systematic review of human and animal studies. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015. This review article examines the effectiveness of acupuncture in healing ligaments and tendons, and provides evidence that acupuncture can be effective in promoting healing and reducing inflammation.

• Oh, S. W., Yoon, Y. C., Park, H. W., & Kim, T. H. (2017). The effect of moxibustion on knee osteoarthritis: a pilot study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017. This pilot study found that moxibustion can be an effective treatment for knee osteoarthritis, which can be a contributing factor in lateral collateral ligament injuries.

• Singh, A., & Bhargava, R. (2017). Lateral collateral ligament injury of the knee: a review. Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery, 137(2), 165-171. This review article provides an overview of lateral collateral ligament injuries, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

• Trivedi, V., & Shanmugam, S. (2016). Lateral collateral ligament injury of the knee. Indian journal of orthopaedics, 50(6), 563-570. This article provides a comprehensive overview of lateral collateral ligament injuries, including anatomy, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.

• Zhang, Y., Xu, J., Ruan, Y., Cheng, Y., & Yang, H. (2019). The clinical effect of tuina in treating knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019. This systematic review and meta-analysis provides evidence that tuina massage can be effective in treating knee osteoarthritis, which can be a contributing factor in lateral collateral ligament injuries.