What is collateral ligament tear?

Collateral ligaments are the ligaments on the inside and outside of your knees. There are two of them. Their job is to prevent your knees from moving side to side. A tear of the collateral ligaments can be either partial or complete. It usually happens when a blow is struck to the inside or outside of the knee.

What are the symptoms?

Pain, mild swelling, and a feeling that the knee is unstable side to side compared to an ACL injury which fells unstable front to back.

What is the treatment?

Early treatment- PRICE (protection, rest, ice, compression, elevation)with a knee brace then PT (physical therapy) to increase strength and range of motion. Most collateral injuries do not require surgery as they heal on their own. In severe cases surgery may be required.