LCL Tear Treatment in San Jose

Sports injuries, sudden twists, or even an awkward step can damage your knee in ways that aren’t always obvious. One common but often overlooked injury is an LCL tear, which can leave your knee unstable and painful if left untreated. 

At Resilience Orthopedics, we create personalized treatment plans that fit your lifestyle, so your knee can support the life and activities you love.

What is an LCL Tear?

Your lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is a strong band of tissue along the outer side of your knee. It connects the thigh bone to the smaller bone in your lower leg. 

The LCL keeps your knee stable by preventing it from bending too far outward or backward. An LCL tear can occur when your knee is pushed outward with too much force. 

This can happen after a direct blow to the inside of the knee, a sudden twist, or when the knee straightens beyond its normal range. These injuries are common in sports such as football, basketball, skiing, and tennis.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of LCL Tear?

Symptoms usually appear along the outer side of the knee and may include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Knee instability during movement

When Should I See a Doctor With an LCL Tear?

You should see a doctor as soon as possible if you have:

• Persistent or severe pain on the outer side of the knee
• Swelling or bruising around the knee
• Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected leg
• A popping sound at the time of injury
• Symptoms that do not improve with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) within a few days

Early evaluation is important because LCL tear symptoms can overlap with other knee injuries, including meniscus tears or injuries to other ligaments. Getting treated timely helps prevent long-term knee problems.

How is an LCL Tear Treated?

Your treatment depends on the severity of the tear. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

Grade	Description	Treatment	Recovery
Grade 1	Mild sprain. The ligament is stretched but intact.	Rest, ice, compression, elevation. Physical therapy if needed. Brace for support	2–3 weeks
Grade 2	Partial tear. Moderate instability.	Rest and anti-inflammatory medication. Physical therapyHinged knee brace. Short-term immobilization if needed	3–6 weeks
Grade 3	Complete tear. Significant instability	Surgery is often recommended. Post-surgical rehabilitation. Bracing and gradual return to activity	8–12+ weeks

Non-Surgical Treatments

Many mild to moderate LCL tears heal without surgery. Treatment usually includes rest, ice, compression, elevation, and a knee brace to support the joint.

Physiotherapy is an important part of recovery. Dr. Mehta works closely with trusted physiotherapists in Los Gatos and San Jose. She monitors your progress to ensure your knee heals properly.

Surgical Treatments

Surgery is often recommended for severe LCL tears where the ligament is completely torn. It may also be considered if non-surgical treatments are ineffective or if other knee structures are injured.

There are two main types of LCL surgery:

• Repair reconnects the torn ends of the ligament and is usually done for recent injuries or tears near the ligament’s ends.
• Reconstruction replaces the damaged ligament with healthy tissue from your own body or a donor. A hamstring tendon is commonly used, and this does not weaken the muscle.

LCL surgery is performed through a small incision. Dr. Mehta’s minimally invasive techniques help reduce pain and support faster recovery.

Why Choose Resilience Orthopedics?

Dr. Mehta founded Resilience Orthopedics to provide personalized, one-on-one care. She offers a full range of treatments that include advanced regenerative medicine therapies like PRP, stem cells, and minimally invasive surgery. 

Dr. Mehta always prioritizes your well-being, recommending surgery only when it’s truly the best option for your recovery.

You deserve movement without pain. Book a consultation with Dr. Pamela Mehta to get a personalized treatment plan.