Synovial Joints
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Tendon and Ligaments
Knee & Hand ligament
Cartilage and Arthritis
Hip Replacement
Bursa
Synovial Capsule and Fluid
Ankle Sprains – Type 1, 2,3
Sprain Treatment
Post Sprain Rehab
Return to competion
Tendons and Ligaments
Tendons very strong and will tear before stretching.
Ligaments very strong and can stretch a tiny amount before
tearing.
Neither tendon or ligament heal well on their own and
surgical repair may be needed in severe trauma.
Knee & Hand Ligaments
Cartilage and Arthritis
 Cartilage between the joints act to stabilize, absorb shock and allow
the bones to slide without friction when moved. Arthritis occurs
when the cartilage wears or roughens (due to age, injury or
genetics). It decreases the space between the bones reducing range
of motion and increases the friction , irritation resulting in pain
around the joint.
Hip Replacement
Bursa
 In your body there are more than 150 bursae. These small, fluid-filled
sacs lubricate and cushion pressure points between your bones and
the tendons and muscles near your joints. They exist to help your
joints move with ease. Bursitis occurs when a bursa becomes
inflamed. When inflammation occurs, movement or pressure is
painful.
Synovial Capsule and Fluid
 The synovial capsule is a thin membrane surrounding the joint. It is
filled with a fluid called synovial fluid. The fluid helps reduce friction
and absorb shock around the joint. It also helps to provide Oxygen
and nutrients to the tissues in the joint.
In a sprain the joint is forced to move beyond
its range of motion resulting in damage to
tissues. Swelling, pain and loss of function
result.
 Type one Sprain – micro tears of ligaments,
sore but no loss of movement
 Type 2 Sprain – partial tear of ligament, loss
of function, swelling & pain, will heal but will
not regain full stability or strength
 Type 3 Sprain – total tear of ligament, loss of
function, pain and swelling, requires surgery
to repair
Ankle Sprains Type 1,2,3
Type 1
Type 2
Type 3
RICE – helps reduce initial swelling and speeds
up the recovery time after the sprain occurs
 R = Rest which slows the heart and reduces
blood flow, thus reducing swelling and pain
around the joint. It also reduces risk of further
injury
 I = Ice or cold application, which causes the blood
vessels to constrict around the injury and reduce
blood flow and swelling
 C = Compression or pressure applied over the
swollen joint which helps to constrict the blood
vessels and reduce swelling
 E = Elevate the injury higher than the heart to
slow blood flow to the injured area
Sprain Treatment
R I C E = Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevate
Post Sprain Rehab
 Most ankle sprains heal enough after 14 days to return to activity.
After a bad sprain the ligaments may be loose and the ankle less
stable. Taping can help by holding the foot in proper position for
running and jumping. This reduces the risk of landing in an awkward
position. Taping alone will not stop the ankle from injury should the
ankle twist under torque again.
Return to competition
A general plan for coaches to return a player
after joint / muscle injury is
OK – pain but it goes away during warm up
OK – after warm up there is soreness but no
altered function (movement is good)
NOT OK – after warm up there is pain and
altered function (movement is impaired)