Tendons and Ligaments

Tendons and ligaments are strong, stretchy bands inside your body. Tendons connect your muscles to your bones. Ligaments connect your bones to other bones. Together, they help you move.

What They Do

When a muscle squeezes, the tendon attached to it pulls on a bone. That is how you move your arms and legs. The Achilles tendon in your ankle is one of the strongest tendons in your body.

Ligaments hold your joints together. They keep your bones in the right place so your joints work smoothly. Without ligaments, your joints would be loose and wobbly.

Injuries and Care

Tendons and ligaments can get hurt if you move too fast or twist the wrong way. A sprain happens when a ligament is stretched too far. It can cause pain and swelling.

Warming up before exercise helps protect tendons and ligaments. If you hurt one, rest and ice can help it heal. See a doctor if the pain does not go away.

Fun Facts

• The Achilles tendon is named after a hero from Greek mythology.
• Tendons can be as strong as steel cables of the same size.
• Ligaments can take a long time to heal because they do not get as much blood flow as muscles.

Did You Know?

You can see a tendon move by wiggling your fingers and watching the back of your hand!