11/10/2024
Ligaments are the unsung heroes of our skeletal structure. But do you know EXACTLY what they are and what they do?.
Think of ligaments as your body's "elastic bands". Strong yet flexible, working like backstage heroes around your joints, they connect our bones together, providing stability, and making sure they don't overdo the twist or stretch, ending up in a dislocated situation. But guess what? Ligaments aren't just found around your joints – they've got other jobs too, like keeping your internal organs in their designated spots. I’m sure you can agree that’s pretty important, right?
Let's clear up a common mix-up: ligaments vs. tendons. Tendons connect muscle to bone, while ligaments provide incredible bone-to-bone connections.
Here are the most important ligaments in your body:
Knee Ligaments
Elbow Ligaments
Shoulder Ligaments
Ankle Ligaments
Sometimes life happens, and these ligaments take a hit, especially during sudden joint injuries. There's a grading system for these injuries:
Grade I: These sprains are like the "ouch, that hurt" kind. They usually heal within a few weeks. You can take it easy, ice the area, and maybe grab some anti-inflammatory help.
Grade II: These are more intense, and you might need to protect the area as it heals. Think weight-bearing braces or supportive taping during the early recovery phase.
Grade III: This is the big one, the "get an expert" level. If it's serious, you might need an Orthopaedic Surgeon's advice. Surgery might even be on the table, and if that's the case, your rehab will be guided by the surgeon and a trusty physiotherapist.
Let’s talk about "common Ligament Injuries". You guessed it – knees and ankles are the most common culprits. These joints take a lot of weight and stress, especially in sports where quick direction changes or full-on contact is the norm. And don't forget the shoulder – it's a bit of a wild card in the stability department, leading to its own share of ligament injuries.
So, whether you're dealing with the "ouch, that hurt" or the "need an expert" level of ligament trouble, remember this. Your body's got an amazing team working to keep everything in place. Take care of those ligaments, and they'll have your back (and knees, elbows, shoulders, and ankles!) for the long run.
The best way to take care of these incredible body parts is postural stretching for balance, strength training, and low inpact sports (swimming) and aiding to their absorption of minerals, vitamins, and amino acid.
For example : hydrolyzed collagen with vit c. Whey protein. Vitamin A, omega 3.
