Question 1

what is the difference in function/purpose between tendons and ligaments?

Accepted Answer

Connections: Tendons connect muscle to bone.  Ligaments connect bone to bone.

Question 2

what is the way to strengthen the tendons and ligaments..?   i am an athlete..

Accepted Answer

Tendon strength: Hello:

The quick answer is tendons and ligaments cannot be strengthened like muscles.  The amount of collagen fibers in each tendon remains consistent regardless of the amount of muscle increase that occurs from exercise.  Ligaments are the same story in that amount of fibers tissue remains consistent regardless of the amount of exercise placed on a joint.  Best Regards.  Dr. Reed

Question 3

do tendons and ligaments that have been inappropriately stretched (as through injury) return spontaneously to their normal size or is pt needed?

Accepted Answer

Depends: The question is a bit too ' general' to give a specific answer.Some ligaments that" stretch" beyond their capability will not return to their normal size and this can result in laxity. Some tendons that stretch for a short period of time will return to their prior state.Some tendons that are contracted secondary to the aging process or disease need stretching ! hope that helps...

Question 4

does an mri show damage to tendons and ligaments?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Mri is an excellent imaging test to demonstrate damage to tendons and ligaments among other structures.

Question 5

is there anyway to strengthen tendons  and ligaments after straining them multiple times?

Accepted Answer

Rubber bands: Yes! has a lot to do with consistent, daily stretching, in an attempt to regain some range of motion and tendon/ ligament healing.

Question 6

what type of doctor treats tendons and ligaments?

Accepted Answer

Orthopaedist: Typically an orthopaedic surgeon treats tendon and ligament injuries, although rheumatologists and physiatrists can treat more mild conditions by medicinal means.  All three specialists can splint, prescribe and inject, while only orthopaedists are trained to also apply surgical treatment options.

Question 7

what could be severe chronic knee tendons and ligaments pain every week? it is disabling pain and it gets worse with extending and standing and walkig

Accepted Answer

Inflammation: Generalized inflammation or that associated with inflammatory arthritis (autoimmune) can cause pain and stiffness in the ligaments and tendons around the knee.  

If there's fluid in the joint, tapping this can be important as are xrays and blood tests.  Mri can also be done to look at soft tissues such as ligaments and tendons to see if a culprit can be identified.  Pt or injection may also help.

Question 8

whats could be wrong with my wrist? i fractured (chipped) the bone by my wrist and i've been having problems with it since. i believe it has to do with it being out for two weeks after it happened. could i have done something to the tendons and ligaments

Accepted Answer

There : There are so many variables in this question that it is hard to be very precise.  There are many bones in the wrist, and it is very significant which bone, precisely is chipped.  When you say it was "out" for two weeks,  do you mean that it was dislocated for two weeks?   A bone chip on x-ray often means that a ligament was pulled off the bone, taking a piece of the bone with it.   It is a bad circumstance if the ligament has pulled off a bone chip and the x-ray shows it to be separated by a distance from the bone, because in this case the ligament/bone chip cannot ever heal back to the bone without surgery, and the associated joint is apt to be lax and pop, clunk, grind, or be painfully unstable.   This needs to be seen by an appropriate surgeon.   It sounds like something which, at the very least, needs initial splinting/casting for 6 weeks and then re-examination.   The probable need for future surgery is high.

Question 9

will acupuncture help tendons and ligaments in the knee heal faster?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Yes it will. I would also advise you take some glucosamine and chondroitin, be very gentle if you exercise , and if you do exercise to do it in a pool or in the bath tub. This is all in general . Every case  of cause is a little different therefore it is good that you be seen by a processional.

Question 10

after a fall, tore tendons and ligaments on the shin and ankle. five weeks ago, but still swollen and painful. should it take so long to heal ?

Accepted Answer

Professional ...: Yes, one can still have pain and swelling five weeks after torn tendons and ligaments in the ankle and shin. Professional attention by PCP/ Ortho Consult and or Physical Therapist is needed to pilot one through potential chronic challenges that might arise if not adequately taken care of.

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Doctor answers about:

Weak tendons and ligaments

A member asked:

What is the difference in function/purpose between tendons and ligaments?

A member asked:

What is the way to strengthen the tendons and ligaments..? i am an athlete..

A member asked:

Do tendons and ligaments that have been inappropriately stretched (as through injury) return spontaneously to their normal size or is pt needed?

A member asked:

Does an mri show damage to tendons and ligaments?

A member asked:

Is there anyway to strengthen tendons and ligaments after straining them multiple times?

A member asked:

What type of doctor treats tendons and ligaments?

A member asked:

What could be severe chronic knee tendons and ligaments pain every week? it is disabling pain and it gets worse with extending and standing and walkig

A member asked:

Whats could be wrong with my wrist? i fractured (chipped) the bone by my wrist and i've been having problems with it since. i believe it has to do with it being out for two weeks after it happened. could i have done something to the tendons and ligaments

A member asked:

Will acupuncture help tendons and ligaments in the knee heal faster?

A member asked:

After a fall, tore tendons and ligaments on the shin and ankle. five weeks ago, but still swollen and painful. should it take so long to heal ?

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