Ligaments and tendons
The cantilevers of our body
Ligament and tendons are biological structures similar to ropes or strands. They connect muscles with bone (tendons) or bone with bone (ligament). Thus they enable our movements and in addition they limit our movements to an useful functional motion range.
Tendons and ligaments can be stretched
It doesn’t take a lot to reach movement extents where tendons are strongly stretched (e.g. twisting the foot). In certain cases these movements can lead to an elongation of the ligament (sprain) or even to torn ligaments. Especially in sporting activity can lead to injuries. Most of the cases already a training brake, cooling or bandages can help. But in more severe cases this can even lead to a surgery. As well intake of specific collagen peptides might have a positive effect on tendons1.
References
- Dressler P, Gehring D, Zdzieblik D, Oesser S, Golhofer A, König D ‘Improvement of Functional Ankle Properties Following Supplementation with Specific Collagen Peptides in Athletes with Chronic Ankle Instability’ Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2018) 17, 298-304