The Most Common Soft Tissue Injuries
FAST FACTS
- There are more than 12 million vehicle accidents every year.
- 75% of those injured in collisions still experience symptoms of their injuries six months after the crash.
- Approximately 20% of victims may have symptoms that worsen.
Soft tissue injuries may be the most common types of injuries sustained in car accidents. They are also common after slips and falls, in sporting accidents and in the workplace. A soft tissue injury can be categorized as either acute or overuse.
As Atlanta soft tissue injury lawyers, we have represented victims of accidents across all settings and have aggressively sought compensation for those who have been injured due to negligence or error. Continue reading to discover more about some of the most common soft tissue injuries that accident victims face.
What Causes Soft Tissue Injuries?
Acute soft tissue injuries are most often caused by some type of sudden trauma like that which is experienced in a vehicle collision or blow. A person who suffers an overuse injury sustains it through repeated use.
These may be the result of activities that are repeated too often. Many overuse injuries are sustained through work or sports activities.
The Most Common Acute Injuries
An acute injury calls for RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. This initial treatment tends to be the most effective for acute injuries and is typically prescribed by doctors.
Some of the most commonly experienced acute injuries include:
1. Sprains
When you stretch or tear a ligament, you have a sprain. It’s not unusual for a sprain to feel so painful that you think you broke a bone, but a sprain can also be relatively painless initially and overlooked. Your ankles, knees and wrists are the most susceptible to a sprain. Sprains are classified by their severity:
- Grade 1: This is a mild sprain that results from minor stretching of the fibers.
- Grade 2: A moderate sprain involves a partial tearing of the ligament.
- Grade 3: This is a severe sprain in which the ligament tears completely.
2. Strains
A strain occurs when you injure a muscle or tendon. A strain may just be a stretch, but can be as serious as a tear. A strain most often presents with pain, weakness, spasms, swelling, cramping and inflammation or any combination of these symptoms.
A person can suffer a strain in any type of accident, but they most often occur in slips and falls and during activities like sports. A person who experiences a strain will typically be told to follow the RICE protocol and perform some type of rehabilitation exercise.
3. Contusions
Contusion is the medical term for a bruise. A contusion occurs when there is a blow to the body or a crushing type of injury. The skin is not broken and blood collects under it due to pooling around the injury. A bruise may occur when a body part makes contact with a hard surface.
Bruises don’t typically require medical intervention and heal on their own. It’s not to say that medical treatment is never warranted. A very large bruise or one that doesn’t heal can be a sign of a more serious injury.
The Most Common Overuse Injuries
Not all soft tissue injuries occur suddenly. Many are the result of months or years of performing the same movements. These tend to happen on the job or through sports.
1. Tendinitis
There is a sheath that covers each tendon in your body. When the sheath becomes irritated or inflamed, you are said to have tendinitis. You will most typically experience swelling and discomfort that gets worse the more you use that part of your body.
There are different treatments for tendinitis, including rest, medication, exercise and splinting. Your doctor will treat your tendinitis based on the symptoms you are experiencing along with their severity.
2. Bursitis
Bursae are small sacs that are located between bones and soft tissue. They contain fluid and act as cushions. When these sacs become inflamed, you have what is called bursitis. It is not unusual for people to experience bursitis and tendinitis at the same time.
In most cases, a doctor will suggest over-the-counter remedies to control relieve the symptoms associated with bursitis. In more severe cases, the fluid may need to be drained and steroids may be prescribed. In very rare cases, surgery may be required.
While there is little you can do to prevent acute soft tissue injuries, there are steps you can take to prevent those caused by overuse. Medical professionals recommend that people:
- Use the right equipment
- Warm up
- Stay hydrated
- Cool down
- Stretch
- Rest
- Maintain a balanced level of fitness
What these things look like for you will depend on your unique situation. If you feel you are at risk for an overuse injury or are already experiencing symptoms, speak with your medical provider.
How an Atlanta Soft Tissue Attorney Can Help
When a soft tissue injury is caused by someone’s negligence or error, like those sustained in a vehicle collision or workplace accident, it’s important to know that you have rights. An Atlanta soft tissue lawyer can defend those rights and fight for the compensation you are entitled to.
Call Hawkins Spizman Fortas today for more information about your options. You have nothing to lose – your first consultation is free. We will review the details of your injury and help you make the best decisions moving forward. You should not have to suffer with financial difficulty because of someone else’s choices. Call now to schedule your case evaluation.