What Are the Different Types of Ligament Damage?
Types of ligament damage that are most often reported are strains, when a ligament is stretched beyond its normal limits, and ruptures, which occur when a ligament is partially or completely torn. Ligaments are dense bands of fibrous connective tissue that connect two bones to one another at a joint, holding them together and protecting the joint capsule. Because they are situated at movable parts of the body, they are constantly absorbing and transferring various forces and therefore are vulnerable to injury. Ligament damage is typically caused by either an abrupt blow to the joint or by repetitive, excessive forces placed on the joint over time, which can cause ligaments to break down and leave them susceptible to strains and ruptures. It is also more likely to occur in individuals who have weak and unstable joints, particularly at the knee and ankle joints.
