Overview

Ligament and Tendon Treatment

Sometimes tendons and ligaments can become damaged leading to pain and impaired function. In Fort Myers, Florida, the skillful experts at Gardner Orthopedics offer solutions for tendon and ligament injury, including effective procedures to carefully repair the tendon or ligament. If you’ve had an injury, seek quality orthopedic care to get you back to your day or back in the game and call Gardner Orthopedics or schedule online today.

Ligament and Tendon Injury and Repair Q & A

Your tendons are tough fibers that connect bone and muscle. Your ligaments bind bone to bone.

Tendon and ligament injuries are often caused by gradual wear and tear from aging or overuse. Many people get these injuries from a fall or excess repetitive motions during sports, at work, or during daily activities.

A tendon or ligament injury might happen suddenly, or it might be the result of multiple tiny tears to the tendon that occurred over time.

Tendinitis is one type of tendon damage that refers to inflammation of the tendon.

After an evaluation, in-depth discussion, and any necessary imaging, such as an MRI or X-rays, your provider recommends the best treatment for your tendon or ligament injury.

Your provider might suggest various treatments, such as:

  • Physical therapy
  • Medications and injections, such as steroids, anti-inflammatories, and pain relievers
  • Platelet-rich plasma therapy
  • Stem cell therapy
  • Splint, brace, or cast to hold the tendon still while it heals
  • Procedure to repair the tendon or ligament

Your provider can also guide you through healthy lifestyle changes, including nutrition,  appropriate regular exercise, and stress management to decrease stress hormones and inflammation that might be exacerbating your condition.

To help treat your tendon or ligament injury at home, you can try resting the painful area, applying ice or cold packs, and doing gentle exercises and stretching to prevent stiffness.

It may take weeks or even months for your tendon or ligament injury to fully heal.

Tendon or ligament repairs are typically an outpatient procedure performed in-office, depending on the specific ligament or tendon and the severity of the injury. A tendon or ligament repair can be performed with local, regional, or general anesthesia.

During a tendon or ligament repair, your orthopedic surgeon makes an incision on your skin over the injured tendon or ligament and carefully sews the damaged or torn ends together. A tendon graft might be needed if your tendon or ligament is severely injured. A tendon graft involves using a piece of tendon from another part of your body or an artificial tendon.

Your surgeon re-attaches tendons or ligaments to the surrounding tissue if needed before assessing the injury to make sure there’s no damage to any blood vessels and nerves. Once the repair is complete, your surgeon gently closes and bandages the area.

In many cases, Gardner Orthopedics offers same-day appointments for urgent care. If you have a tendon or ligament injury, call Gardner Orthopedics to learn more or book online today.

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