Makindo Medical Notes

Soft tissue injuries refer to damage to muscles, ligaments, tendons, or skin. These injuries often occur as a result of trauma, overuse, or improper technique during physical activity. Common examples include sprains, strains, and contusions (bruises).

Types of Soft Tissue Injuries

• Sprains: Injury to ligaments (e.g., ankle sprain).
• Strains: Injury to muscles or tendons (e.g., hamstring strain).
• Contusions: Bruising caused by direct trauma to soft tissues.
• Tendonitis: Inflammation of tendons due to overuse (e.g., Achilles tendonitis).
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints.

Causes of Soft Tissue Injuries

• Direct trauma or impact
• Overuse or repetitive movements
• Improper technique during exercise or physical activity
• Sudden changes in direction or speed
• Poor conditioning or lack of flexibility

Clinical Presentation

• Pain at the site of injury
• Swelling
• Bruising or discoloration
• Reduced range of motion
• Tenderness to touch
• Difficulty bearing weight or using the affected area

Diagnosis

• History and Physical Examination: A thorough assessment of the mechanism of injury, symptoms, and clinical findings such as swelling, tenderness, and range of motion.
• Imaging:
  • X-ray: To rule out bone fractures.
  • Ultrasound: Useful in assessing muscle tears, tendon damage, and ligament injuries.
  • MRI: For detailed visualization of soft tissues, especially in cases of severe injury or suspected ligament damage.

Initial Management (First 24-48 Hours)

• RICE protocol:
  • Rest: Avoid activities that cause pain or stress to the injured area.
  • Ice: Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours to reduce swelling.
  • Compression: Use elastic bandages or compression wraps to minimize swelling.
  • Elevation: Keep the injured area elevated above the level of the heart to reduce swelling.
• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain medications such as NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) or acetaminophen can help manage pain and inflammation.

Ongoing Management

• Physical Therapy: Once acute symptoms subside, a rehabilitation program involving exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion can be initiated.
• Gradual Return to Activity: Patients should gradually resume activities, starting with low-impact exercises and progressing to more intense activities as tolerated.
• Immobilization: In cases of severe sprains or strains, a brace or splint may be required to support the injured area during healing.

Referral

• Severe injuries, such as complete ligament tears or large muscle ruptures, may require referral to an orthopedic specialist for surgical intervention.
• Persistent pain or lack of progress in recovery may necessitate advanced imaging (e.g., MRI) or specialist consultation.

Prevention

• Proper warm-up before physical activity
• Maintaining good physical conditioning and flexibility
• Using correct technique during sports or exercise
• Wearing appropriate protective equipment