Some tendon and ligament injuries can cause significant pain. Complicating their treatment is the physiology of these types of tissue. Some injuries require that the site of damage remain immobile. This fact can make treatment more difficult if the injury involves a tendon or ligament involved with walking or other basic movements.
Tendons and Ligaments
Both tendons and ligaments are types of connective tissue. Tendons connect muscles to bones, whereas ligaments connect bones. The site where either the tendon or ligament attaches to a bone is referred to as the insertion site. This location is a common source of overuse injuries because of the stress is absorbs, according to a 2006 study by the University of Wales.
Differences
Tendons and ligaments differ from other types of tissues such as skin or muscle in the density of blood vessels or how vascularized they are. The circulatory system plays a vital role in wound healing. It will deliver nutrients, oxygen and antibodies to the injury site while removing bacteria and dead cells. Tendons and ligaments are less vascularized than other types of tissue. This means that healing occurs slower in these types of tissue than, for instance, a cut on your skin.
Contributing Factors
Other factors will also influence healing of tendons and ligaments after a workout. Proper nutritional support is essential to support the recovery process. Several vitamins contribute to healing. B vitamins, for example, aid in cell division, which is necessary for tissue repair. They might also relieve some of the pain associated with your tendon or ligament injury. Vitamin C will help replace any blood vessels that may have been damaged as well.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type of injury and whether a tendon or ligament is involved. A tendon injury such as an extensor tendon injury to the hand can require the use of a splint to restrict activity until the natural healing process is complete. Injuries to ligaments such as a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the knee may require surgery. The difference is due in part to the differences in vascularization of the two types of tissue and the time it takes to heal. If you have injured a tendon or ligament during exercise, your injury will heal. It will just take a longer time with the possibility of a more complex treatment regime, which might include physical therapy.
References
- "Journal of Anatomy"; Where Tendons and Ligaments Meet Bone: Attachment Sites ('Entheses') in Relation to Exercise and/or Mechanical Load; M. Benjamin, et al.; April 2006
- "Principles of Anatomy and Physiology"; G. Tortora et al; 2005
- Colorado State University: Vitamins: Introduction and Index
- American Society for Surgery of the Hand: Extensor Tendon Injuries
- Sports Injury Clinic: Torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament / ACL Knee Injury
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