Soft tissue injuries are among the most common types of injuries, and can occur as the result of accidents or due to overuse, or sometimes for no apparent or obvious reason at all. In addition to causing severe pain, tingling or numbness in the affected area, soft tissue injuries can dramatically impact your ability to move and make performing even simple activities a challenge. Correctly diagnosing and treating soft tissue injuries is vital to ensure proper healing takes place and to prevent re-injury to the site, which could result in lasting disabilities.

Common Types of Soft Tissue Injuries

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) advises that soft tissue injuries generally fall into two categories. Acute injuries can occur as the result of a sudden trauma, such as when you suffer a fall or are involved in a car accident. Overuse injuries, which can occur when performing routine tasks such as bending or reaching for things at home or work, or due to recreational activities, such as swinging a tennis racket or golf club.

The AAOS advises that soft tissue injuries can result from either of the above, or sometimes due to no apparent factor. The following lists the most common types of soft tissue injuries, and the areas they often affect:

• Sprains: A strain causes stretching or tearing of ligaments in the body, which are connective tissues between the bones. Sprains commonly affect the ankles, knees, and wrists.
• Strains: A strain involves stretches or tears in the muscles or tendons, which connect muscles to the bones. Strains often occur in the foot, hamstrings, and back.
• Contusions: A contusion is bruising caused by blood pooling beneath the skin, commonly the result of a bump or blow. While not generally considered serious, they can result in permanent damage to the underlying tissues.

Caring For Soft Tissue Injuries

The Mayo Clinic advises that while severe muscle or tendon tears may require surgery to repair the damage, one of the most common and effective methods for treating soft tissue injuries is to follow the acronym RICE:

• Rest: Avoid activity that causes you to put pressure on the affected body part;
• Ice: Apply ice to reduce swelling;
• Compression: Elastic bandages can help to further reduce swelling or blood pooling in the affected area;
• Elevation: When resting, keep the injury elevated above your heart.

Once swelling is reduced and the injury begins to heal, you will need to slowly begin rebuilding your strength and flexibility.

How We Can Help

At Care Family Medical and Chiropractic, we provide quality, affordable care for soft tissue injuries. From diagnostics through the healing and recuperation process, our holistic approach can help you make the maximum recovery, while avoiding re-injuries. Call or contact our Tulsa, Oklahoma office online today to see how we can assist you.