These terms can be easily confused when discussing conditions or injuries to the body. First remember: both tendons and ligaments are part of the musculoskeletal system, comprised of all the bones, muscles and connective tissues in your body.Tendons and ligaments are two types of connective tissues; they are both comprised of dense layers of collagen fibers.
Ligaments attach bones to bones
Tendons attach muscles to bones
Ligaments are the connectors, linking bones together at the various joints throughout the body. They allow for all the range of motion that joints can perform. Just look at the amazing variety of movements your hand and fingers and wrist can do. The ligaments in your body support, strengthen and stabilize the joints.
Tendons are the connectors that allow your muscles to be attached to the bones of your body. They aid in the overall movement of your body by transmitting force from the muscle to the bone. They vary greatly in size and shape, depending on the size of the muscle and the size of the bone to which it is attached.
Both tendons and ligaments are very sturdy for the most part, but excessive pressure, forceful trauma or even repetitious movements can cause damage and injury to these important structures.
Pain is the number one signal that a problem is occurring in the tendons or ligaments of the body. Other conditions that can also be present are redness, heat and/or swelling. If you are experiencing chronic or acute pain in the joints of your body, seek treatment from a board certified osteopathic doctor such as Dr. Rehman. A thorough evaluation will be conducted, and a multi-modality treatment program may be recommended to help you get back to living an active, pain-free life.
