Tendon and Ligament Injuries

Tendons and ligaments are essential connective tissues in the body that help support movement and joint stability:

• Tendons connect muscles to bones and help control motion.
• Ligaments connect bones to other bones and provide stability to joints.

Injuries to these tissues are common in sports, accidents, and overuse, and can range from mild strains or sprains to complete tears that may require surgery.

Common Tendon Injuries

1. Tendinitis

Inflammation of a tendon, often caused by overuse. Common types include:

• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
• Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
• Achilles tendinitis
• Rotator cuff tendinitis (shoulder)

2. Tendinosis

Chronic tendon degeneration due to repetitive strain, without significant inflammation.

3. Tendon Rupture

A complete or partial tear of a tendon, often caused by sudden force or trauma. Examples:

• Achilles tendon rupture
• Rotator cuff tear
• Biceps tendon rupture

Common Ligament Injuries

1. Sprains

A sprain is a stretch or tear in a ligament. Severity is graded:

• Grade I: Mild stretch or microscopic tear
• Grade II: Partial tear
• Grade III: Complete rupture

2. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear

One of the most serious and common knee injuries, often occurring during sports involving sudden stops or changes in direction.

3. Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury

Usually caused by a direct blow to the outside of the knee.

4. Ankle Sprain

A very common injury when the foot rolls or twists beyond its normal range.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Sudden trauma or impact (e.g., falls, collisions)
• Overuse or repetitive stress (e.g., running, lifting)
• Poor training techniques
• Lack of warm-up or flexibility
• Improper footwear or sports gear
• Previous injuries
• Age-related tissue degeneration

Symptoms

• Pain at the site of injury
• Swelling and inflammation
• Bruising or discoloration
• Limited movement or stiffness
• A popping or snapping sound at the time of injury (in tears)
• Instability in the joint
• Weakness or inability to bear weight

Diagnosis

Tendon and ligament injuries are diagnosed through:

• Physical examination – assessing pain, swelling, and movement
• Ultrasound – for real-time visualization of soft tissues
• MRI – detailed images of ligaments and tendons, especially in complex injuries
• X-rays – to rule out associated fractures

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the severity of the injury and whether the tendon or ligament is partially or fully torn.

Non-Surgical Treatment:

• RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Bracing or splinting to support the injured area
• Physical therapy for strength, flexibility, and gradual return to activity
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or corticosteroid injections in some cases
   

Surgical Treatment:

• Required for complete ruptures, severe instability, or when conservative treatment fails
• May involve reconstruction or reattachment of the tendon or ligament
• Followed by a structured rehabilitation program

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery time varies:

• Mild injuries may heal in a few weeks
• Moderate to severe injuries may require several months of physical therapy
• Post-surgical recovery may take 6–12 months, especially for ligament reconstruction (e.g., ACL surgery)
   

Rehabilitation focuses on:

• Restoring range of motion
• Rebuilding muscle strength and joint stability
• Preventing re-injury

Prevention Tips

• Warm up before and cool down after exercise
• Use proper technique and posture during physical activities
• Strengthen muscles around joints
• Wear appropriate footwear and protective gear
• Avoid overtraining and allow time for rest and recovery
• Listen to your body—don’t push through pain

Why Choose Aster Hospitals for Tendon and Ligament Care?

Aster Hospitals offers expert, end-to-end care for orthopedic and sports-related injuries through a skilled team of orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine specialists, and physiotherapists. With advanced diagnostics including ultrasound, MRI, and musculoskeletal imaging, we ensure precise assessment and targeted treatment. Our minimally invasive surgical techniques promote quicker recovery and reduced downtime, while customized rehabilitation programs are designed to support optimal healing. We also emphasize injury prevention and provide return-to-sport readiness assessments to help patients safely resume their active lifestyles. Whether you're a professional athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or recovering from an accident, Aster Hospitals is committed to restoring your mobility and getting you back to doing what you love.