It takes about 2-6 weeks to return to normal after a lateral collateral ligament injury, depending on the extent of the ligament damage. Mild ligament injury is only a small part of the ligament fibers torn, after rest and braking for 2 weeks to basically return to normal. Moderate ligament tears show partial, or even majority, fiber rupture, and can only return to normal after about 3 weeks of strict braking. For severe ligament injuries where there has been a complete rupture of the ligament fibers, 4-6 weeks of braking is required to return to normal. Until the ligament is firmly healed, do not go down to the ground and walk under weight too early to avoid re-tearing the ligament, repeated re-tears may lead to chronic joint instability, leaving behind pain and limited movement.