Tendons consist of collagenous connective tissue fibres, which in the unloaded state are slightly rippled to enable a cushioning of the transmission of force to the bones.

The tendon sheaths are lubricating tubes filled with fluid. They are found where tendons bend round or over bony outgrowths. This helps reduce friction of the tendon with the surrounding tissue on movement.

Joints are secured by ligaments. These are connections from one bone to another that help to stabilise the joint. They are generally only slightly elastic, i.e. they become slack or tear completely if they are overstretched.

Ligament damage in the knee joint is a common sports injury. It generally arises due to an overstretch or rupture of the cruciate ligaments through direct or indirect force, e.g. when a rotational movement in the knee joint is stopped abruptly.

Ligament injuries in the ankle also happen frequently in sporting activities. Ruptures of the external ligaments and capsule injuries in the ankle joint largely occur through the foot turning over on landing.