Not all lateral collateral ligament injuries need a knee brace. Learn which LCL injuries require a brace, which type of knee brace is best and when to wear it, and which types of brace to avoid. Remember, if you need more help with an injury, you're welcome to consult one of our physios online via video call.
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In this article:
Do I need a brace for my LCL sprain or tear?
How a brace helps the lateral collateral ligament to heal
What type of brace should you get?
Do I need a brace for my LCL sprain or tear?
Grade 1 LCL tears usually don’t need a brace. If you have a Grade 2 or 3 tear, a brace is necessary to help stabilise the ligament to allow it to heal. You can learn more about how to assess and grade LCL injuries here.
How a brace helps the lateral collateral ligament to heal
The main job of the LCL is to limit your knee’s side-to-side movement and to prevent it from gapping or turning too far out. Once injured, the LCL loses some of its strength, and it’s quite easy to injure it further just through normal day-to-day activities.
The right type of brace will support and protect your injured LCL. It will still allow you knee to bend and straighten within the safe range (this is important to optimise healing) while stopping it from moving too much side-to-side and straining the already injured LCL.
A hinged knee brace with metal rods on the side is best for collateral ligament injuries.
What type of brace should you get?
The best type of brace for LCL tears is one that:
Has metal or carbon rods on the sides to prevent side-to-side movement.
Has a hinge that allows the knee to bend and straighten. If you have a Grade 3 LCL tear, you will likely need one with a hinge that can be locked at 0 degrees (fully straight leg) for the first couple of weeks.
Extends to about the middle of the thigh and the lower leg and fits securely so it stays in place.
Examples available on Amazon:
These braces are no good
Don’t use the following types:
Soft knee braces or sleeves. They don’t provide enough stability.
Rigid knee braces without a hinge. It is important for recovery to be able to bend and straighten your knee while wearing the brace. In most cases, the longest a knee should be immobilised fully straight is 2 weeks, and this is only if you have a Grade 3 LCL tear.
When to wear your brace
If you have a Grade 2 LCL tear, you will likely be told to wear your knee brace for 6 weeks, while Grade 3 tears usually need a brace for 8 weeks. If you also have other knee injuries, you may be given different guidelines.
During this period, it is usually best to wear your brace whenever you stand, walk, or do your exercises. You may also have to wear it in bed depending on your specific case. Your doctor or physiotherapist should be able to advise on what is right for you.
How we can help
Need more help with your injury? You’re welcome to consult one of the team at SIP online via video call for an assessment of your injury and a tailored treatment plan.
We're all UK Chartered Physiotherapists with Master’s Degrees related to Sports & Exercise Medicine or at least 10 years' experience in the field. But at Sports Injury Physio we don't just value qualifications; all of us also have a wealth of experience working with athletes across a broad variety of sports, ranging from recreationally active people to professional athletes. You can meet the team here.
About the Author
Maryke Louw is a chartered physiotherapist with more than 20 years' experience and a Master’s Degree in Sports Injury Management. Follow her on LinkedIn and ResearchGate.
References
FAQs
It will still allow you knee to bend and straighten within the safe range (this is important to optimise healing) while stopping it from moving too much side-to-side and straining the already injured LCL. A hinged knee brace with metal rods on the side is best for collateral ligament injuries.
Should I wear a knee brace for LCL injury? ›
These injuries may require using crutches and wearing a hinged knee brace. Many people are able to be active again after about 8 to 12 weeks. Severe or grade 3. These injuries may require wearing a hinged brace for a few months, and limiting weight on the leg for at least 6 weeks.
What is the best knee support for ligament damage? ›
Among the best hinged knee braces are:
- SecuTec Genu Knee Brace.
- GenuTrain S Hinged Knee Support.
- GenuTrain S Pro Hinged Knee Support.
- SofTec Genu Knee Brace.
- KNEE SUPPORT SLEEVES.
- GenuTrain Knee Brace.
One of the best MCL braces is the DonJoy Playmaker Knee Brace because you can use it for everyday activities or during sports. The strap design of the Playmaker enhances support of the knee joint, which helps prevent MCL injuries and provides stability for a recovering MCL.
What knee brace do doctors recommend? ›
Unloader braces are the most common brace providers suggest for people with knee arthritis.
What type of knee brace is best for LCL? ›
A hinged knee brace with metal rods on the side is best for collateral ligament injuries.
Should I be walking on a torn LCL? ›
You should not put all of your weight on your leg if it hurts. You should check with your provider about how much weight you may put on your leg. Rest and self-care may be enough to allow the tear to heal. You should use crutches to protect the injured ligament.
Will a knee brace help with ligament damage? ›
Knee braces that work
Some specialist knee braces can be extremely useful in certain circ*mstances. If you tear your MCL or PCL (the medial and posterior cruciate ligaments), wearing a brace designed for those specific injuries could help the ligament heal in the correct position and help you avoid surgery.
Is it okay to wear knee support all day? ›
The amount of time you should wear a knee brace would depend on your condition, pain levels and possibly instructions by your clinician. For mild pain that has been present for a long period of time, a brace can be worn for the activity only and the recovery afterwards and then taken off for day-to-day life.
How can I speed up my knee ligament recovery? ›
Early medical treatment for knee ligament injury may include:
- Rest.
- Ice packs (to reduce swelling that happens within hours of the injury)
- Compression (from an elastic bandage or brace)
- Elevation (keeping it raised)
- Pain relievers.
Non-surgical Treatment for an LCL Tear
- Applying ice to the area.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Raising the knee above heart level.
- Physical therapy.
- Wearing a lightweight cast, brace or splint.
Lateral Collateral Ligament Injury (LCL)
- Knee swelling.
- Locking or catching of your knee with movement.
- Pain or tenderness along the outside of your knee.
- A knee that gives way, or feels like it is going to give way, when it is active or stressed in a certain way.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons,5 knee braces fit into several categories: (1) prophylactic—braces intended to prevent or reduce the severity of knee injuries in contact sports; (2) functional—braces designed to provide stability for unstable knees; and (3) rehabilitative—braces designed to ...
How to select a knee brace? ›
When choosing a knee brace, look for levels of protection ranging from 1 to 3+. A Level 1 Brace offers the least amount of support, but is the most flexible, such as a knee sleeve. It's best for pain relief and mild to moderate support when remaining fully active.
Which is better knee stabilizer or knee brace? ›
The stabilizers offer a slightly more advanced support, while the hinged braces confer the most advanced support due to their ability to more or less mimic the natural movement of the knee.
What is the fastest way to heal an LCL injury? ›
Non-surgical Treatment for an LCL Tear
- Applying ice to the area.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Raising the knee above heart level.
- Physical therapy.
- Wearing a lightweight cast, brace or splint.
After your injury, you should not play sports or do other strenuous activities until you and your provider decide what treatment is best for you. If you have surgery to reconstruct your ACL: Follow instructions on self-care at home. You will need physical therapy to regain the full use of your knee.
When should you not wear a knee brace? ›
Typically, a complex knee brace is worn for the first year. After that, a brace usually isn't needed for low-level activities. Keep in mind it can take up to two years to return to baseline stability. Once you're returned to full function, you can stop wearing a brace.
