Ligament and Tendon Injuries: Treatment Explained

Ligament and tendon injuries are one of the most common conditions for individuals of all ages, but while they’re very similar, there’s often confusion between the two body parts and their respective injuries. Fortunately, though it is indeed important to know the differences, they can generally be treated in the same way.

At the medcom group, we have helped numerous individuals find efficient and effective paths toward recovery from painful and inconvenient injuries. Our medical equipment is the perfect solution for patients, health care providers, doctors, and physical therapists to treat all kinds of injuries, including ligament and tendon issues - what follows is a comprehensive guide to potential injuries in the ligaments and joints and the best solutions for treatment.

What is the Difference Between Ligaments and Tendons?

Ligaments and tendons are incredibly similar parts of the body, acting within the musculoskeletal system as stabilizers for various body structures and helping facilitate body movements. They are both thick bands of tissue composed of collagen; however, the main difference between these two is that they connect different anatomical structures of the musculoskeletal system. Ligaments connect bones to other bones, whereas tendons connect bones to muscles.

Ligaments (often located at the body’s joints and composed in a crisscross pattern) are also normally more elastic than tendons and come in two different types: white and yellow. White ligaments are rich in sturdy collagen fibers, which are not very elastic. Yellow ligaments contain more elastic fibers, which allow more movement.

Tendons contain bundles of parallel fibers, surrounded by a tissue called endotenon which enables the tendons to move each other and thus support body movement. Tendons are located all throughout the body where the muscle is attached to the bone.

What are Common Ligament and Tendon Injuries?

Unfortunately, while ligaments and tendons are vital parts of our body enabling movement, they can also stretch and tear relatively easily. Doctors define tendon and ligament tears or ruptures as injuries to the soft tissues that connect muscles and joints.

Although ligaments are strong and rigid by nature, sudden forces and strains can cause tears and ruptures, this damage occurs when the fibers are torn. Because of the lack of blood supply to the tissue, sometimes tears become permanent which can end in their removal. Also, if a ligament is stretched past a certain point, it can result in the ligament never returning to its original state. An Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear is the most common sport-related injury to the ligament

Similarly to ligaments, tendons can become damaged and even snap if they are over-strained. A partially torn tendon will cause swelling and discomfort but can be healed over time, whereas a clean break will cause a complete loss of movement and potentially permanent damage. A common tendon injury that athletes suffer is damage to the Achilles tendon, which connects the heel to the muscle in your lower leg.

It’s important to note that while certain ligament and tendon injuries are more common than others, an injury can occur anywhere in the body where ligaments and tendons exist.

Symptoms and Causes of Ligament and Tendon Injuries

Common symptoms of ligament and tendon injuries are pain, swelling, and the inability to straighten the limb in question. You may also hear or feel a pop when you tear the tissue.

Tears or ruptures to ligaments and tendons may happen at any time and can:

• Cause extreme pain.
• Limit or prohibit proper joint function.

Common causes of ligament and tendon injuries are twisting body parts or hard or awkward landings. Tears often happen when ligaments are stretched fully and then encounter some form of impact or trauma. For example, ankle sprains, a mild torn ligament in the ankle, can happen when you are walking or running, land awkwardly, and twist your ankle.

Risks and Complications of Ligament and Tendon Injuries

In terms of risk, adults are unfortunately more likely to injure ligaments and tendons than kids. However, young athletes (and athletes of any age) are at risk for ligament and tendon injuries due to the high demand for stretching, contracting, impacts, and potential for awkward movements. In general, sports like football, soccer, basketball, downhill skiing, and gymnastics are all risk factors for ligament and tendon injury.

Ligaments and tendons lose elasticity the older you get, so age will increase the risk of injury. Furthermore, people who do repetitive motions, like lifting, are also at risk for tendon injury, and certain ligament injuries are more likely in women than men, such as a torn ACL.

Left undiagnosed, tendon and ligament injuries can lead to pain, lack of mobility, and even issues like arthritis. It’s important to treat these injuries as soon as possible to decrease the likelihood that the injury causes permanent damage and difficulties.

Treatments for Ligament and Tendon Injuries

Tendon and ligament tears or ruptures are painful injuries that require an experienced orthopedic specialist, doctor, or physical therapist to properly diagnose and treat them.

Surgery may unfortunately be required, but there are several treatment options that help both after surgery and if surgery is decided against altogether. Your doctor may suggest the following nonsurgical treatments:

• Using a brace for a prescribed period of time.
• Physical therapy and a slow return to physical activity.
• RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation), using therapeutic equipment such as CPM machines and cold therapy devices.
• Anti-inflammatory medicine.

Braces will help to keep your injured limb stable and protected while it is healing, including preventing any unwanted, unexpected directional movements, and they can also be used in physical activity after recovery in order to prevent future injuries from occurring. CPM machines and cold therapy devices help to provide passive movement, compression, and cold temperatures to aid in the recovery process. They can also be used as a medication-free way to reduce pain from ligament and tendon injuries and help maintain range of motion as an injury recovers.

Find Your Ligament or Tendon Injury Treatment Solution

At the medcom group, we strive to provide patients as well as doctors, health care providers, and physical therapists with the best therapeutic equipment possible in order to facilitate fast and efficient recovery from musculoskeletal injuries. Ligament and tendon injuries can be painful and will certainly cause some disruption in a patient’s life, but with the help of world-class therapeutic equipment like braces, CPM machines, and cold therapy devices, people who have been injured can get back to doing what they love faster than ever before. Contact the medcom group to learn more about our full line of products for treating ligament and tendon injuries today!