Soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, contusions and bursitis occur when a muscle or tendon is damaged. These are common among athletes and can also happen as the result of car accidents, slip-and-falls or even when performing daily activities such as gardening. These injuries typically cause pain and swelling which is aggravated by movement and exacerbated by the cold weather.
Unlike x-rays which only show bones, MRI and CT scans can locate damage to soft tissues, but they are expensive and not always available for patients due to insurance companies being resistant to the costs of advanced diagnostic testing. Nevertheless, these tests are crucial for properly diagnosing and treating soft tissue injuries.
A sprain occurs when you stretch or tear a ligament, which is a tough band of connective tissue that connects the ends of bones to each other, such as the knee ligaments connecting your thigh bone (femur) to your shin bone (tibia). This type of injury leads to micro-trauma, bleeding and inflammation around the injured area which causes pain and limits movement.
Overuse injuries occur when you use a specific muscle or tendons too much, and they become over-stretched or overworked. These injuries can lead to muscles becoming weak or even tearing over time. They can also affect your bones and joints, causing arthritic symptoms such as pain and stiffness.
The best initial treatment for a soft tissue injury is the RICE protocol: rest, ice, compression and elevation. This helps reduce the inflammation, bleeding and swelling of a soft tissue injury.
