There are several common causes for ligament and tendon tears, such as: Trauma or injury - A quick turn or a blow to the body can cause the tendon or ligament to be overextended, resulting in a tear. Overuse or recurrent strain - Over time, overuse of a certain joint or limb can result in little tears in the tendon or ligament tissue. This is frequently observed in athletes that continually perform the same motion, such as runners, golfers, and tennis players. Certain medications - Medications such as steroids and antibiotics can weaken connective tissue and increase the risk of tears and injury. Poor conditioning - Inadequate conditioning or poor biomechanics can cause tendons or ligaments to experience excessive stress, leading to injury. Age-related degeneration - As people age, the connective tissues become less elastic and more prone to tears. Certain conditions - Diabetes and arthritis are two examples of medical conditions that weaken connective tissues and raise the risk of tears.