What You Need To Know About Soft Tissue Injuries
Posted on: 26 May 2022
Soft tissue injuries can be very painful. They often present with bruising and inflammation. These injuries impact the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Anyone can suffer from this type of injury, but they are especially prevalent in those who take part in sports or lead very active lifestyles. Those who perform jobs that require a lot of joint use are also prone to getting soft tissue injuries. While you might think a soft tissue injury will heal on its own, not seeking treatment quickly can lead to major damage or increased pain. Here are some things you need to know:
What Are Soft Tissue Injuries?
Soft tissue injuries are those that injure the joints and muscles due to overuse or trauma. Contusions, commonly known as bruises, is a soft tissue injury that is caused by some form of blunt trauma. Contusions occur when the trauma causes bleeding beneath the skin.
Sprains are another type of soft tissue injury that typically occurs in the knees, ankles, and wrists. A sprain occurs when you partially tear a ligament. These tears are typically a result of a major twist of a joint. Strains occur when tendons or muscles are stretched beyond their capacity.
Those suffering from tendonitis also have a soft tissue injury. This is a common condition suffered by athletes. The tendons become inflamed as it is used in a repetitive pattern. Sports such as tennis or swimming often cause tendonitis. The shoulders, elbows, knees, hips, and ankles are some common areas affected by tendonitis.
Stress fractures are common soft tissue injuries and occur when too much weight is placed on the tissue. This occurs primarily in the hips, legs, and feet.
How Are Soft Tissue Injuries Treated?
There are some specific treatments for soft tissue injuries. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are the common treatment protocols used to treat these injuries. Stretching is also a great way to help with these injuries. If the injury is serious, you need to see a doctor for treatment. Some of these injuries may need antibiotic treatment, particularly for tendonitis. You might also need treatment for excessive swelling. Stress fractures can lead to broken bones if they are not treated properly. If a muscle tears, you may need surgery to repair it.
Soft tissue injuries can be serious and lead to long-lasting impacts on your physical health. Make sure to seek treatment as soon as possible.
Contact a local doctor to talk about soft tissue healing therapy.
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