When our bodies experience any kind of discomfort, it can be alarming. It’s human nature to want to get back to feeling normal as quickly as possible. Ligaments are connective tissues that attach bones and hold structures in the body together. They differ from tendons which are connective tissues that attach muscle to bone.
Tendons and ligaments can tear at any time causing pain, swelling, heat, and other symptoms. Oftentimes, ligaments tear in the knee, but they can occur in other areas of the body.
When tears occur, your main objective will be to get better. Keep reading to learn how to heal ligaments faster so you can get back to enjoying uninhibited movement.
What are tendon and ligament tears?
Tendon and ligament tears are tears that occur in the fibrous tissue between the bones (ligaments) or the fibrous tissue between the muscle and bones (tendons). You will often hear a popping sound when a tear occurs. You can also experience symptoms like pain, inflammation, and limited movement. Tears in the knee may cause you to be unable to straighten your knee.
Types of ligament or tendon tears and ruptures
Tendon and ligament tears and ruptures can occur anywhere in the body, but they often happen in the knee area. The two most common tear injuries are:
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears: The ACL controls knee movement. A tear in the ACL can severely affect movement in the area. Athletes are particularly prone to ACL tears, and they often occur in football and basketball players. However, they can affect anyone.
- Meniscus Tear: There are two menisci in the knee. They are tough cartilage that allows the tibia and femur to smoothly glide against each other without damaging the bone. A tear can lead to serious discomfort and limited movement. Meniscus tears are often the result of an injury that twists a bent knee joint. They are also likely to occur when degeneration is present in the area.
Ligament and tendon tears can also occur around the elbow in the biceps and triceps. They are often caused by overuse during sports. They can be job-related as well.
Common causes of ligament and tendon injuries
Ligament and tendon injuries often occur due to:
- Severe and sudden joint impact
- Quick and sudden starting or stopping movement
- Abrupt movement of the joint
Top ways to heal ligaments and tendons faster
When a ligament tear occurs, it’s vital to heal the injury as quickly as possible. Easier said than done though. And all of our bodies will recover on their own terms. However, it’s our responsibility to do everything we can to aid faster healing times. The quicker the injury heals, the sooner you will be able to get back to regular activities. If you are wondering how to heal ligaments faster, here are some steps to take after an injury occurs.
- First, see your doctor: Your doctor will be able to confirm your injury and recommend the best steps to take for healing. He or she can ask you questions regarding the intensity of your pain, the way the injury occurred and previous health conditions. They may also perform an x-ray or MRI to get the proper diagnosis. From a diagnosis to personalized treatment plans, your doctor can help get you on the fastest road to recovery.
- Apply ice to strained ligament: Applying ice can help minimize inflammation. You may use it in conjunction with a RICE treatment (rest, ice, compression, and elevation).
- Use a brace: A brace offers compression to the affected area. It keeps blood moving and pushes out excess fluid to reduce swelling. It can also support and limit movements to prevent further injuries.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy is often used if a ligament tear occurs on your Achilles tendon. A therapist may recommend a plan that includes:
- Stretching to improve flexibility, promote healing and prevent long-term pain.
- Strengthening exercises that help you rebuild strength and prevent future injuries.
- Ultrasound therapy to encourage blood circulation and speed the healing process.
- Massages to increase circulation and flexibility.
- Endurance exercises to strengthen the area.
- Agility training which requires you to change direction quickly while maintaining proper posture.
Physical therapy may be performed in a medical office setting. The therapist may also recommend additional exercises you can do on your own at home. In some cases, an Achilles tear may call for surgery. If this is the case, physical therapy may be used after surgery to promote proper healing.
- Natural supplements. Tendons and ligaments are primarily made up of collagen. Therefore, supplements that promote collagen production in the body can be beneficial in aiding with the healing of ligament and tendon tears. For example, various amino acids can synthesize collagen in the body. Vitamins C and D help your body make collagen and can reduce inflammation in ligaments. Calcium and elastin are recommended for aiding with connective tissue support. One of the best truly all-natural supplements on the market for ligament and tendon tears is Longevity By Nature’s TendoGuard. It’s clinically tested according to United States Government regulations and FDA compliant. All of Longevity By Nature’s supplements are made in the USA and created with innovative raw material technology. TendoGuard is suitable for all ages.
How long does tendon and ligament recovery usually take?
Recovery times for tendon and ligament injuries.
Tendon injury recovery times: If surgery is required recovery time can vary from four months to a year. If surgery is not required, you should enter the final stage of healing at seven weeks. However a full recovery may take up to one year.
Ligament injury recovery times: Less severe ligament injuries typically do not require surgery. A mild sprain may take two to four weeks to heal. A moderate sprain may take a bit longer, typically 10+ weeks. If surgery is needed, you can expect a recovery time of about six months to a year.
When to see a doctor
A tendon or ligament strain is not always an urgent matter. However, if you’re experiencing moderate to severe symptoms, such as pain, inflammation, difficulty moving the injured area and muscle spasms, it’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible. If you see bruises and blisters where the tear occurred, it may be a sign of a serious injury and emergency care is recommended.
Shop Longevity by Nature
There are many supplements on the market that can aid with tendon and ligament healing, but Longevity by Nature’s Tendoguard is a recommended all-in-one solution.
Longevity by Nature has earned the reputation of an innovator of raw technology. LBN uses pharmaceutical grade food ingredients to create natural supplements that are free of chemicals and non-GMO. Our products are science-backed by the research of highly esteemed scientific organizations.
For expedited tendon and ligament tear recovery try LBN’s TendoGuard. TendoGuard is a proprietary advanced pharmaceutical grade collagen Type II. It also contains other beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid, elastin, calcium, and chondroitin sulfate. Its amino acid compounds support cartilage, tendons, ligaments, chondrocyte cells and the bone matrix. TendoGuard can offer the following benefits and more:
- Keeps tendons and cartilage healthy and flexible
- Provides necessary nutrients to tendon-recovery process
- Anti-inflammatory support efficacy
Fast track recovery for a ligament or tendon injury. . . try LBN’s TendoGuard risk-free today!
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