What is an LCL sprain?
LCL anatomy
The lateral collateral ligament (LCL, or fibular collateral ligament) connects the femur to the fibula, on the outer side of the knee. It stabilises the knee against varus strain, meaning movements that push the knee outward. An LCL sprain is a stretch, or a partial or complete tear, of this ligament, less common than an injury to the inner ligament.
Why does the LCL get injured?
This injury generally happens from a direct blow to the inner side of the knee that pushes it outward (forced varus), or during an off-balance jump landing. It’s sometimes associated with an injury to other knee structures (cruciate ligament, postero-lateral structures), which is why a careful examination is warranted after the injury.
Which sports contribute to LCL sprains?
Sports with a risk of a direct blow to the inner side of the knee or off-balance landings are the most affected:
- Football (tackles, direct blows)
- Rugby (tackling)
- Alpine skiing
- Combat and contact sports
- Basketball and handball (off-balance landings)
Grades of LCL sprain
Ligament sprain classification
- Grade 1, stretching of the ligament, without clear laxity
- Grade 2, partial injury, moderate laxity
- Grade 3, complete tear, clear knee instability
Treating an LCL sprain in rehab with a sports physio
The goal of treatment is to restore the knee’s outer stability by strengthening the muscles that support it, while respecting the ligament’s healing timeline according to its grade of injury.
- 1Reducing pain and swelling
- 2Recovering knee mobility
- 3Strengthening the quadriceps and hamstrings
- 4Strengthening the knee’s outer stabiliser muscles
- 5Proprioceptive and balance work
- 6Controlled dynamic varus stability
- 7Progressive straight-line running
- 8Working on changes of footing
- 9Progressive return to your sport
- 10Return to competition
Why the physio’s initial assessment matters
During the initial assessment, the physiotherapist aims to understand the precise mechanism of injury (direct blow or not, a feeling of giving way), any felt instability, and checks for signs suggestive of an associated injury to other knee structures.
“A knee’s stability doesn’t come from the ligament alone: it comes from everything around it that can be strengthened.”
Strengthening, the cornerstone of treatment
Strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings and the knee’s outer stabiliser muscles compensates for the ligament’s temporary fragility and makes weight-bearing safer. Proprioceptive work complements this strengthening by re-accustoming the knee to unstable footing before any return to sport.
In brief
- Strengthening the quadriceps and hamstrings
- Strengthening the knee’s outer stabilisers
- Proprioceptive work to make weight-bearing safer
- Gradual return before any return to contact
Ready to take your LCL sprain seriously?
Start the HOPP programme designed by sports physios.
Should you rest or keep playing sport?
For mild sprains (grade 1), progressively adapting your activity is generally enough. For grades 2 and 3, a stricter protection period is often needed, sometimes with a brace prescribed by a doctor, before starting active rehab.
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When should you see a specialist for an LCL sprain?
A medical opinion is recommended as soon as the injury occurs, particularly if there’s sharp pain, rapid swelling, or a feeling of instability. A clinical examination, supplemented with an MRI if needed, can rule out an associated injury to other knee structures and clarify the grade of the sprain.
The HOPP care programmes to treat your LCL sprain and get back to sport
To restore a stable knee, an LCL sprain requires progressive support suited to its grade of injury. HOPP offers you a precise exercise programme, allowing you to get back to your activities as quickly as possible. By combining mobility, strengthening, proprioception and training management, HOPP supports you all the way back to the field.
The programme runs from 3 to 9 weeks depending on the injury and ends with a reconditioning phase allowing a return to competition in the best possible conditions. Each programme is designed by the HOPP team, made up of two sports physiotherapists who are experts in assessing and treating athletes. You’ll also find theoretical content throughout your progression, so you master every aspect of your recovery and can adjust your treatment independently. If needed, our team of physiotherapists is on hand to support you.
Essential
FROM INJURY TO
BACK TO YOUR ACTIVITIES
59€
One-time payment
“AT YOUR OWN PACE WITH
DAILY ADAPTATION”
- 100% of the treatment programme
- Daily personalisation
- Flexibility / Mobility
- Strengthening
- Proprioception
- Progress tracking
- Return-to-running programme
- Theoretical content included
Performance
TO GET BACK TO SPORT
IN THE BEST CONDITIONS
79€
One-time payment
“GET BACK TO YOUR LEVEL
WITHOUT RISK OF RELAPSE”
- 100% of the treatment programme
- Daily personalisation
- Flexibility / Mobility
- Strengthening
- Proprioception
- Progress tracking
- Return-to-running programme
- Theoretical content included
- + 4-week return-to-play plan with 6 difficulty levels
Expert
PERSONALISED VIDEO-CALL
SUPPORT, ANY TIME
149€
One-time payment
“A PHYSIO
WHENEVER YOU NEED”
- 100% of the treatment programme
- Daily personalisation
- Flexibility / Mobility, Strengthening, Proprioception
- Progress tracking
- Return-to-running programme
- Theoretical content included
- + 4-week return-to-play plan with 6 difficulty levels
- + 2 video calls with an expert sports physio / return check-up
A programme that adapts to you every day
Every day, how you feel (RPE) is factored in to automatically adjust the rest of your programme: more load if all is well, a bit less if the ligament is complaining. This daily personalisation is what makes the difference compared to a fixed, paper-based programme.
Ready to start your programme?
Join the HOPP support programme designed by sports physios.
F.A.Q
Is an LCL sprain serious?
It depends on the grade. A mild sprain (grade 1) generally heals well with suitable rehab. A complete tear (grade 3), especially if associated with other injuries, requires a specialist medical opinion to define the best care strategy.
Can I keep playing sport with an LCL sprain?
For mild injuries, a progressive, guided return is often possible after a few weeks. For more severe grades, it’s recommended to wait for a medical opinion before resuming contact sports or those involving changes of footing.
How long does it take to get back to sport after an LCL sprain?
A mild sprain may allow a return within a few weeks. A more severe injury, or one associated with other injuries, may require several months of rehab before a full return to sport.
Does the HOPP programme replace a medical consultation?
No. HOPP is a support and rehab tool designed by sports physiotherapists, but it doesn’t replace a doctor’s opinion. If in doubt, or if the pain persists, see a health professional.
Is the programme suited to all sporting levels?
Yes. Every programme is personalised to your sport, your level and how you feel each day, whether you’re a recreational athlete or preparing for competition.
