Ligament and Tendon Injuries

Ligaments and tendons are types of connective tissues. Ligaments attach bones to bones, while tendons connect muscles to bones. These tissues are sometimes injured, whether it’s a sports injury, overuse injury or sudden trauma. Two main types of ligament injuries are sprains and strains.

Is a torn ligament or tendon or other injury keeping you from your normal activities? Find the comprehensive care you need at Goshen Orthopedics. We have a team of board certified, fellowship trained providers who are passionate about helping our patients heal from their orthopedic conditions.

What causes sprains, strains and other ligament and tendon injuries?

Ligament and tendon injuries can be acute or chronic. Acute injuries occur with sudden trauma, such as falling, slipping or twisting a joint or sustaining a blow. Chronic injuries are the results of overusing a joint or muscle through repetitive stress. This can eventually cause an injury. Tendinitis is an example of a chronic tendon strain from overuse.

Sprains are injuries to ligaments resulting from overstretching, ranging from mild damage to a complete tear. Wrist and ankle sprains and ACL tears are common ligament injuries.

Strains are injuries to tendons, muscles or groups of tendons and muscles. Like sprains, they vary from mild damage to a complete tear. Strains are common in the back, shoulder and legs such as a pulled hamstring or quadricep.

How we treat injured ligaments and tendons

Your provider at Goshen Orthopedics bases your treatment on whether the injury is acute or chronic, as well as your personal needs and preferences.

Acute injury treatment starts with rest, ice, compression and elevation (the RICE method). Your provider may recommend anti-inflammatory medicines. Severe injuries may require physical therapy through Goshen Rehabilitation.

Chronic injury treatment also begins with rest and taking anti-inflammatory medicines. You may also need corticosteroid injections and a splint or brace, as well as range-of-motion exercises.

Both acute and chronic injuries may need orthopedic surgery to repair the tendon or ligament.

Our team is committed to helping you return to your favorite activities. If you have pain, swelling, weakness, bruising or other symptoms of a ligament or tendon injury, call (574) 534-2548 and make an appointment.