Treatment Of Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue is tendons, ligaments and muscles. The most common acute injuries are sprains, strains and bruises. Misuse can cause tendonitis and bursitis type lesions.

Soft tissue damage affects the soft parts of the musculoskeletal system. This system includes tendons, ligaments and muscles.

Muscle is a unit formed by a collection of fibers. Thanks to their elasticity, fibers are able to shorten, through contraction, and stretch. As for the tendon, it is a tissue that serves to connect muscle and bone. Tendons give strength to the bone to produce movement.

Finally, the structure of ligaments is similar to that of tendons. The function of ligaments is to connect and stabilize the elements that form the joint.

Soft tissue injuries are classified into two basic categories: acute injuries and injuries related to excessive repetition.

Acute injuries

These injuries are caused by sudden trauma such as a fall, blow, or wrong move. This type of lesion includes sprains, distensions and bruises.

Sprains

A sprain is a stretch and / or tear of a ligament. The parts of the body most likely to suffer from a sprain are the ankles, knees and wrists. Sprains are classified according to their severity:

• Degree 1 or light : the stretch is light as is the damage to the ligament fibers
• Degree 2 or moderate : there is a partial tear of the ligament
• Finally, degree 3 or severe : a total tear of the ligament is observed , the ligament is therefore unstable and the joint cannot function properly

Although the intensity varies, the symptoms are the same for all three degrees, namely pain, bruising, swelling and inflammation.

The distensions

Distension is a soft tissue injury usually caused by overuse or strong stretching. It can range from a simple stretch to a partial or total tear of the combination of muscle and tendon.

The most common symptoms are:

• Muscle spasms
• Cramps
• Muscular weakness
• Inflammation

Bruises

A contusion or a hematoma is the consequence of a blow. The blood vessels are affected, hence the change in color. It may even be that a contusion limits the range of movement.

Treatment of acute soft tissue injuries

Treatment varies depending on the type and severity of the injury. In the event of an acute injury, the starting treatment applied is the RICE protocol, an acronym whose initials refer to four English terms which mean rest (rest), ice (ice), compression (compression) and elevation .

Stopping the activity causing the lesion is essential, as is the application of ice or cold compresses for about twenty minutes several times a day. In addition, to avoid inflammation, it is advisable to make an elastic compression bandage and, in the rest mode, to elevate the lesion above the level of the heart.

In the case of a slight sprain, treatment consists of following the RICE protocol. If the sprain is moderate, a period of immobilization is often necessary. If the lesion is serious, reconstructive surgery is possible.

For distension, the treatment is the same as that of a slight sprain: it is recommended to follow the RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression and elevation). This protocol must then be completed by performing simple exercises to relieve pain and regain mobility. Most mild distensions respond well to the RICE protocol

Soft tissue lesions linked to excessive repetition

These lesions occur gradually. The cause at the origin of their appearance is a very frequent repetition of the same physical activity to the point that the body does not have enough time to heal itself. Tendonitis and bursitis are included in this category of lesions; these are the most common soft tissue injuries.

Tendonitis

The term tendonitis refers to inflammation or irritation of the tendon or that which covers it. Tendonitis is normally the consequence of a series of aggressive efforts on the tendon. Common symptoms of tendonitis are inflammation and pain that worsens during activity.

Bursitis

The purses correspond to small gelatinous pockets that are located behind the shoulder, elbow, hips, knees and ankles. They contain a small amount of fluid and are found between bones and soft tissue. They thus act as small cushions whose function is to reduce friction.

Bursitis is an inflammation of a bursa and is the result of repeated little effort.

Treatment of injuries linked to excessive repetition

Treatment for tendonitis involves rest, taking anti-inflammatory drugs, and exercising to improve flexibility. If the inflammation persists, it can significantly damage the tendon and surgical treatment may then be necessary.

As for bursitis, it is possible to relieve pain with a simple change of activity. If necessary, it is also possible to use anti-inflammatory drugs. If the lesion does not improve, it may be necessary to remove fluid from the bursa.