Treatment

Treatment may include rest, ice compression and elevation (RICE). Ice can be applied two or three times a day for 15 to 20 minutes each time. You'll need to rest for a few days to reduce pain and swelling. Compression of your knee with a bandage or brace can help limit the swelling.

Depending on the severity of the tear, you may be instructed to start exercising once you feel better to restore range of motion and strengthen the quadriceps muscle to help compensate for some of the ligament's inability to properly stabilize the knee. Most collateral ligament tears heal well with RICE and exercise.

If the collateral ligament is completely torn or is accompanied by other injuries (like damage to the ACL), surgery may be required. The surgeon will make an incision in the area of the torn portion of the ligament and reattach the ligament with sutures or a special surgical staple.

If your knee remains unstable despite nonsurgical treatment you may need surgery. Collateral surgical reconstruction involves tightening up the loose ligament or replacing it with a graft. Patients often require a short stay in the hospital. Physical therapy may be prescribed following the surgery by your surgeon to regain motion and strengthen your knee muscles.