LIGAMENT AND TENDON TEARS
Ligament tears and tendon tears are not the same thing, although they are both types of connective tissue injuries and particularly common to athletes and individuals who participate in high-impact activities. They can also occur as a result of a traumatic injury or accident.
Ligaments are fibrous bands of tissue that connect bones to other bones in a joint, providing stability and support. Ligament tears typically occur when the ligament is stretched or twisted beyond its normal range of motion, causing it to partially or completely tear.
The most common causes of ligament tears include:
- Sports injuries: High-impact activities and sports that involve sudden changes of direction or contact with other players can cause ligament tears, particularly in the knee, ankle, and shoulder joints.
- Trauma or accident: Falls, car accidents, and other types of trauma can result in ligament tears.
- Repetitive stress: Repetitive stress or overuse can cause ligaments to gradually weaken and become more susceptible to tears.
- Aging: As we age, our ligaments become less flexible and more prone to injury.
- Genetics: Some people may be more genetically predisposed to ligament injuries.
The most common ligament tears occur in the knee joint, specifically the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the medial collateral ligament (MCL). The ACL is a ligament that runs diagonally through the knee joint, while the MCL is a ligament that runs along the inside of the knee joint.
Other common ligament tears include:
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear: The PCL is a ligament that runs diagonally through the knee joint in the opposite direction of the ACL.
- Ankle ligament tear: The ankle joint is supported by several ligaments, including the anterior talofibular ligament, calcaneofibular ligament, and posterior talofibular ligament.
- Elbow ligament tear: The elbow joint is supported by several ligaments, including the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), which is commonly injured in baseball pitchers and other throwing athletes.
- Shoulder ligament tear: The shoulder joint is supported by several ligaments, including the rotator cuff ligaments, which can be injured from repetitive overhead activities.
It is important to note that ligament tears can occur in any joint and can vary in severity from a minor sprain to a complete tear requiring surgical intervention.
Tendons are strong, fibrous cords that attach muscles to bones, and they are essential for joint stability and movement. Common types of tendon tears include rotator cuff tears in the shoulder, Achilles tendon tears in the heel, and tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, which are tears in the tendons of the forearm. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect a tendon tear, as early intervention can help prevent further damage and promote faster healing.
The most common causes of tendon tears include:
- Overuse or repetitive stress: Repetitive movements or overuse of a particular muscle or joint can cause wear and tear on the tendon, leading to a tear or rupture.
- Trauma or injury: Sudden, forceful movements or direct blows to a joint or muscle can cause a tendon to tear or rupture.
- Aging: Tendons become less elastic and more prone to injury as we age, which can increase the risk of tears and ruptures.
- Certain medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, can increase the risk of tendon tears.
- Certain medications: Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, can weaken tendons and increase the risk of tears.
There are several types of tendon tears that can occur, with some of the most common ones including:
- Rotator cuff tears: The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles that help to stabilize the shoulder joint. Tears in the rotator cuff tendons can occur due to overuse, aging, or a traumatic injury.
- Achilles tendon tears: The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body and connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Tears in the Achilles tendon are commonly caused by sudden movements or overuse, particularly in athletes.
- Tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow: These are tears in the tendons of the forearm that attach to the elbow joint. They can be caused by repetitive motions, such as swinging a racket or golf club.
- Patellar tendon tears: The patellar tendon connects the kneecap to the shinbone and can tear due to a sudden injury, overuse, or weakening of the tendon over time.
- Biceps tendon tears: The biceps tendon attaches the biceps muscle to the shoulder and elbow joints. Tears in this tendon can occur due to overuse or aging.
It’s important to note that tendon tears can occur in any tendon in the body, and the location and severity of the tear can impact treatment options and recovery time. If you suspect a tendon tear, it’s important to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Book your Free Virtual Consultation
Regenerative medicine treatments for ligament and tendon tear
One of the most promising regenerative medicine treatments for ligament and tendon tears is stem cell therapy.
Stem Cell Therapy
Another regenerative medicine treatment that may be used for ligament and tendon tears is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
It is important to note that the effectiveness of regenerative medicine treatments for ligament and tendon tears may vary depending on the severity of the injury and other individual factors
and not all patients may be good candidates for regenerative treatments.
Call us to learn more about our treatments and if they are a viable option for your specific condition.
Book your Free Virtual Consultation
What do I need to have prior to receiving stem cells treatment?
- Book Free consultation with us.
- Bring your MRI results. If you don’t have an MRI test done recently, don’t worry. Miami Stem Cell has partnered with imaging clinics to provide MRIs to our patients for as little as $200 per test. Ask us about our partnerships.
- Do a tumor marker test. This is a simple blood test that you will need to do prior to the procedure.
- Bring someone to drive you back home.