What are Ligaments?
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Ligaments are the fibrous, slightly stretchy connective tissues that hold one bone to another in the body, forming a joint. Ligaments control the range of motion of a joint, preventing your elbow from bending backwards, for example, and stabilizing the joint so that the bones move in the proper alignment.
Ligaments are composed of strands of collagen fibers. While ligaments are slightly stretchy, that they are arranged in crossing patterns prevents the joint itself to become loose.
Stretching exercises increase the length and flexibility of the muscles, allowing the joint to move farther than before. The ligaments themselves are not stretched, as they provide the support for the joint. This stretching of the muscles is what allows martial artists to perform seemingly impossible kicks and contortionists to stretch their bodies into fantastic positions.
If ligaments are stretched, either by injury, excess strain on a joint, or by improper stretching techniques, the joint will become weaker, as the elongated ligaments are unable to properly support it. People who are said to be "double jointed" simply have extra long ligaments that allow their joints to stretch beyond the normal range.
Because ligaments are so important in the stabilization of joints, they are also highly susceptible to injury. The anterior cruciate ligament located behind the knee, often referred to as the ACL, is commonly damaged in rough sports.
Because connective tissue such as ligaments must withstand a great deal of stress in day to day activities and have a relatively low blood supply, injuries can take a very long time to heal, and sometimes require surgery. Many professional athletes have had multiple surgeries to ligaments over the course of their careers.
Severe injury to ligaments can often require physical therapy. Even with surgery and physical therapy, injured ligaments tend to be less flexible, and more prone to repeat injury, so patients should be careful when engaging in strenuous activities that can put excess pressure on the injured ligaments.
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14
I have some pain around the waist which turns to be a sharp pain around waist back and front and the lower side of the shoulders. who can assist? - anon49174
12
I had menisectomy operation in May (Ligaments/cartilage). I still feel moderate pain on the site where the camera or scope went in. Is this normal? - waller
11
I had a torn ligament in the knee. I had surgery and it was fine for about three months and now periodically it gets very painful and I can hardly walk. The doctor said there is nothing he can do. Also the knee gives out sometimes and I am scared I will fall. Does anyone have a similar problem and if so what have you found that helps? - jean222
10
My doctors say I have inflamed ligaments in my thumb between the finger bone and the connecting bone. He said to rest it (which is almost impossible) take ibuprofen and ice three times a day for 20 minutes. If this does not work we can give you a cortisone shot. Guess I will be getting a shot because two weeks have passed and my thumb is still inflamed. Anyone know a better solution for my problem? - anon31427
9
Hey will you be able to put up information about synovial joints and synovial fluid up please?
- anon23027
8
Here is an exercise that can strengthen ankle ligaments. Sit in a chair and place a towel under your bare feet. Starting with the small toe try to grab the towel and work toward the big toe, all the while keeping your heel on the ground. Do several repetitions and switch to the other foot. - spasiba
5
Hi, My son is 17 and has torn his Ulnar ligament in elbow. I am wondering if anyone knows how long this takes to heal or if with a good hinged brace it offers enough protection that he can play football? Should he not play until completely healed. Thank you, Worried Mom
- Bop66
4
this site is very helpful. it's got clear information which is easy to understand! - anon7318
3
I tore my some ligaments or muscles in my growing area and above that between my stomach and my left growing i guess. what do i need to do about it. I also have a bone spur in my right hip. could that be causing me to tear stuf in that area of the growing. i keep tearing stuff and i don't why. i am a bullrider so i know that that puts strain on it but it wasnt till just in the last couple of years that i have been tearing them. could back problems with the spine cause me to tear ligaments in that area. - codydale
2
I've just came to know about your site. Its very informative. Thanks to those who worked for it.
In fact, I was looking for a remedy to my problem. When I go for jogging, I feel a severe pain on outer side of the knee. It almost makes me limping. Someone told me its because my ligaments have become weaker. The same thing happens when I strongly throw a ball. I feel pain at lower part of the shoulder. A few years earlier, I could do so without such pain and could throw the ball even farther. In both the cases, pain disappear in a couple of days.
I wonder if there's a way to reinforce ligaments (exercice, movements, precautions). If you know anything about it, please share it with me. - kamyogi
1
How come you always hear about ACL and meniscus injuries? What is the other ligament called? The one behind the ACL? Isn't it the PCL? Posterior Cruciate Ligament? Is that less susceptible to injury? Why? - malena
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Written by
J. S. Petersen
Last Modified: 18 October 2009
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