Tendons and ligaments are dense fibrous connective tissues that are essential for joint movement and stabilisation.
Tendons attach muscle to bone – eg patella tendon (knee), achillies tendon (heel)
Ligaments attach bone to bone and help stabilise joints – eg cruciate ligaments (knee)
WHO: Any one can suffer a tendon or ligament injury – they are most commonly associated with sports or activity related injuries but any trauma, slip, trip or fall can injure these structures. We may become more susceptible as we get older.
CAUSE: Both tendons and ligaments are frequently subjected to acute injury as a result of trauma, overload, or direct mechanical injury.
Tendons are more prone than ligaments to chronic forms of injury. These conditions, best described as tendinopathies, are often associated with repeated strain and repetitive overuse rather than a single traumatic episode.
SYMPTOMS: Symptoms vary widely depending on the location of the injury and the extent of the injury.
Commonly we see pain, stiffness, swelling, bruising, reduced range of movement
DIAGNOSIS: A thorough physical examination and tests by a physiotherapist combined with a good history taking will be able to diagnose a ligament or tendon injury.
If a scan/ MRI would change the course of treatment then it will be requested.
TREATMENT:
The treatment you receive is based on what’s causing your pain but may include:
- Medication – as advised by a GP or Pharmacist
- Hands on therapy – mobilisations/ manipulations/ massage
- Pain management – TENS, acupuncture
- Exercise – rehabilitation, strengthening, stretching, loading programmes
- Electrotherapy – ultrasound, shockwave: Shockwave has been shown to be very effective in chronic tendon injuries like achillies tendinopathy
- Aids – splints, supports, taping, braces
