With sports and exercise come muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries. Sprains and strains are common soft-tissue injuries. Even with appropriate treatment, these injuries may require a prolonged amount of time to heal.
What causes Soft Tissue Injuries?
Injuries to soft tissues fall into two distinct categories based on how they are developed: acute and overuse. Acute injuries are caused suddenly, as with a fall or forceful twist. An overuse injury occurs gradually, where the repetition of an activity does not allow for adequate healing time between occurrences.
How do you know you have a Soft Tissue Injury?
Common symptoms of a soft tissue injury may include:
- Pain
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Inflammation
- Muscle spasm
- Weakness
- Cramping
How does OSI fix Soft Tissue Injuries?
The OSI Sports Medicine team of orthopedic specialists can help you with a soft tissue injury. They will verify your soft tissue injury and help you decide what the best course of treatment is for the best, and fastest, outcome. Your OSI doctor will do all or some of the following to confirm your injury:
- Physical exam: Your doctor will ask about any symptoms and how the injury occurred. The area of injury will be evaluated and assessed.
- Imaging tests: X-rays or an MRI may be ordered to confirm an injury.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Nonsurgical treatments for soft tissue injuries may include:
- RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevate) protocol
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy
- Cortisone injections
- Supportive braces
Surgical Treatment
Depending on your soft tissue injury and how it responds to conservative non-surgical treatment, your OSI specialist may recommend surgery. Whether your injury can be treated with arthroscopic surgery or open surgery, your OSI orthopedic surgeon will discuss your options and work with you to determine the most effective course of action.