According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), soft tissue injuries can occur as the result of overuse at work or due to overexertion in sports activities, as well as due to sudden blows or impacts, such as in a car accident or slip and fall. Regardless of the cause, once a soft tissue injury has occurred it can take a significant amount of time to heal and may develop into a chronic condition. Even with proper care and treatment, the injured spot is often vulnerable to reinjury in the future. Some of the more common types of soft tissue injuries our Ames, IA personal injury law firm include the following.
Overuse Injuries
Tendonitis: This involves inflammation and irritation of the tendons due to repeated stresses. It can occur in the shoulders, arms, legs, or feet;
Bursitis: This involves inflammation and irritation of bursae, which are small, jelly-like sacs which may fill with fluid. This typically occurs in the shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and heels.
Acute Soft Tissue Injuries
Strains: These range from mild stretches to severe tears of the ligaments, which connect the bones and act to stabilize and support the body. They often occur in the wrists, knees, and ankles.
Strains: These affect muscles and tendons, cords attaching the muscles to bones. They often occur in the foot, leg, or back, and similar to strains, may involve minor stretching or complete tears.
Contusions: Contusions appear as bruising due to direct blows. They crush the underlying muscles and tissues and can result in permanent tissue damage.
Treating Soft Tissue Injuries
Symptoms of soft tissue injuries typically include pain, swelling, muscle spasms, and limited ability to move or use the affected body part. The Mayo Clinic states that diagnosis requires a thorough examination by your doctor, who may use x-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the exact extent of the injury. Treatment of soft tissue injuries usually involves the following:
- Medications for pain and anti-inflammatories to reduce swelling
- The R.I.C.E. approach, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation, in the days and weeks immediately after the injury
- Surgery to repair any torn ligaments, muscles, or tendons
- Physical therapy, to increase flexibility and increase muscle tone in the area
Reach Out to an Ames, IA Personal Injury Law Firm for Assistance Today
If you have suffered a soft tissue injury at work or as the result of an accidental injury, it is important to contact Des Moines Injury Law, LLP and speak to personal injury lawyer Ames, IA clients recommend. These injuries often involve ongoing medical costs while preventing you from performing certain tasks on your job or engaging in your regular activities. Call our personal injury law firm Ames, IA victims trust to request a consultation to find out the types of compensation you may be entitled to.
