The main job of ligaments is to provide stability to joints and bones throughout the body.
When you suffer a ligament injury, you lose stability at the injured site.
Structure
The basic building blocks of a ligament are collagen fibers.
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There are approximately 900 ligaments throughout the body that are composed of dense bundles of collagenous fibers.
These bundles are surrounded by a gel-like substance called ground substance.
They vary in size, shape, orientation, and location.
Collagen is strong, flexible, and resistant to damage from pulling or compressing stresses.
This allows the ligament to withstand a wide range of forces during movement.
Collagen fibers are arranged within parallel bundles to multiply the strength of the individual fibers.
Together this forms abursa sac, which provides a cushion for and nutrients to the surrounding bone.
Location
Ligaments are found throughout the body.
Types of Ligaments
Ligaments differ based on the anatomical structure they support.
Some are stretchy while others are sturdy.
The five ligaments are contained within the glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joint spaces of the shoulder.
The glenohumeral ligaments help us to extend our arm from the shoulder blade.
This flexibility also makes the shoulder more prone to injury.
The other two ligaments are the calcaneofibular and the posterior talofibular ligaments.
These ligaments can be damaged if you have a severe sprain or ankle fracture.
This group of ligaments is divided into a superficial and deep group of fibers.
The MCL is covered by tendons that shield it from trauma and injury.
They both assist in the flexion and extension of the hip.
If you have ever had back pain, you know how painful and debilitating it can be.
Most of the pain felt during an ACL tear is due to inflammation.
Knee sprain
Leg injuries are very common in sports.
The initial presenting sign may be instability of the elbow, although the clinical presentation may vary.
A significant rupture requires surgical repair.
Hip Dislocation
Hip dislocations can occur in children and adults.
Hip dislocations are less common in adults.
Ankle sprain
The ankle sprain is one of the most common sports-related injuries, especially in basketball.
Pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the ankle may ensue.
Stretching before exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are two ways to help avoid ligament injuries.
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