Most lateral collateral ligament injuries can heal on their own, and the extent of the injury can be determined by MRI, whether the injury is mild or severe, or even whether there is a complete rupture of the lateral ligament. Mild injuries to the collateral ligament have a strong ability to heal on their own, usually within 1-2 weeks. For more severe lateral collateral ligament injuries, spontaneous healing can take 4-6 weeks and can be determined by MRI. However, whenever there is an injury to the lateral collateral ligament, the knee needs to be kept at rest in order to create conditions for the lateral collateral ligament to heal itself. The duration of cast immobilization is also determined by the extent of the lateral collateral ligament injury, with mild injuries requiring immobilization for two weeks and more severe injuries requiring immobilization for 4-6 weeks. During the braking period, pressure sores and blood clots should be prevented, and anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs should be applied to control the pain and swelling caused by the lateral collateral ligament injury.