LCL and MCL Injury Treatment in Wheat Ridge, Colorado
A blow to the knee, a caught ski edge, a pop and a swollen joint. Grading the ligament injury early shapes everything that follows — bracing, rehab, and your timeline back.
What is LCL + MCL Strains?
The MCL and LCL are the ligaments that stabilize the inside and outside of your knee. Strains and partial tears are common in skiing, soccer, and basketball — and most heal well without surgery when graded and managed correctly.
What causes it?
A force pushing the knee inward or outward — a ski catching an edge, a tackle, an awkward landing — stresses these ligaments. Prior injury and inadequate rehab raise the risk of recurrence.
When should I see a doctor?
It may be worth scheduling an evaluation soon after any injury with a pop, swelling, or instability. Early grading of the injury shapes everything that follows, from bracing to timeline.
How Ridgeview evaluates it
Grading the sprain is the whole ballgame.
- Examination of ligament stability at the inside and outside of the knee
- Injury mechanism review — the direction of force matters
- Grading the sprain from stretch to complete tear
- Checking for combined injuries to meniscus or other ligaments
- Ultrasound or MRI when the grade is unclear or symptoms don’t fit
Common signs + symptoms
Pain on the inner or outer knee after a blow or twist
A pop at the moment of injury
Swelling and stiffness
Instability or a knee that feels loose
Pain with side-to-side movement
Related conditions
Treatment depends on what is actually causing the problem.
Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include:
Bracing matched to the grade of injury
A progressive strengthening and stability program
A defined, graded return-to-sport plan
PRP injection when needed
Orthopedic referral for rare surgical cases
Why Ridgeview
Diagnosis, treatment, and a safe return.
Dr. Kroner grades the injury with examination and ultrasound where helpful, determines whether other structures are involved, and sets a realistic return timeline — with direct access to him as you progress.
Get clarity on what’s causing it.
The first step is understanding what is happening and what your options are. Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Kroner at Ridgeview Direct Care.