The role of collagen in ligaments

Ligaments are short strands of fibrous conjunctive tissue rich in collagen (almost 80%), forming an extremely solid structure with multiple functions.

Among other functions, ligaments connect bones at the joints, but they do not attach bones to muscles, as tendons carry out this function. Certain ligaments are responsible for joint mobility, avoiding false moves. This protects the integrity of joints when there is a sprain, and protects from dislocations when there is a forced movement (hyperflexion or hyperextension). Similarly, there is a complex system of eight ligaments that reinforces the knee bones to form a very resistant joint capsule.

Ligaments also serve to join several organs to the abdominal wall and other organs between each other, such as the stomach and the spleen.

Moreover, ligaments are very important to chew food, holding teeth and jawbones, facilitating the movement. As collagen decreases with time, our ligaments lose resistance, elasticity and flexibility, which can cause a frequent sensation of stiffness in our joints.

The most vulnerable joints in ligament injuries and common sprains are the ankles, knees and wrists; which are generally caused by the stretching or tearing of one or more joint ligaments. The principal symptoms of a sprain are: pain, swelling and difficulty moving the joint.