LCL Injury and Laxity in Manhattan, NY

The Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) is one of the four major knee ligaments. The purpose of the LCL is to help keep the knee stable, especially on the outside of the knee. An LCL injury can be caused by a varus stress, lateral rotation of the knee when weight-bearing, then the LCL loses its elasticity from repeated stress, or direct force. This knee injury is less common than a medial collateral ligament (MCL) and can often lead to surgery. The causes of an LCL injury are usually when the knee pushes out beyond the range of motion. As a result, the ligament is overstretched and torn. Common causes of this injury are poor landing technique, a sudden change in direction when running, direct force such as a collision or a tackle, and twisting the knee when the foot is stationary.

If you have an LCL injury, you may experience symptoms in your knee such as mild to severe pain on the outer side of the knee, a snapping or tearing sound when the injury occurred, bruising of the skin around the knee, general weakness in the knee joint, numbness in the knee, stiffness, swelling and inflammation, tenderness, or a locking sensation when the knee is moved.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy and Bone Marrow Concentrate containing stem cells are great non-surgical treatment options for an LCL injury. Treating an LCL injury begins with advanced diagnostics using the latest technology. Ospina Medical in New York City can devise a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific injury to reduce pain and reduce laxity and instability of the LCL with Regenexx regenerative medicine procedures.

If you have been diagnosed with or suspect an LCL injury or have symptoms that may be related to LCL instability, contact our medical team at Ospina Medical. We offer advanced LCL treatments at our clinic in Midtown Manhattan in New York City.

How can PRP treatment help with LCL injuries and laxity?
The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is one of the four major ligaments of the knee and it is responsible for the stabilization of the joint. When the LCL is injured or lax (loose), it can cause knee instability and pain. PRP treatment can assist in the healing process by stimulating the body's natural repair mechanisms. The growth factors released by the platelets can aid in the reduction of inflammation, enhancement of tissue repair, and improvement in the stability and strength of the ligament.

How long does it take to see results from PRP treatment for LCL injuries and laxity?
The results of PRP treatment at Ospina Medical can vary widely from patient to patient. Some people may begin to feel relief within a few weeks, while others may not notice significant improvement for several months. It's important to remember that PRP therapy is intended to promote natural healing, which can take time.

How many bone marrow concentrate treatments will I need for my LCL injury or laxity?
The number of treatments needed can vary depending on the severity of the LCL injury, its laxity level, and the individual's response to treatment. However, many patients experience significant improvement after one treatment and do not need additional treatments in the future. It’s also important to note that results from this class of Regenexx treatments often improve over several months.