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Sprained or torn muscles or tendons and damage to other soft tissues are among the most common types of personal injuries. They often occur as a result of accidents and can have long-lasting impacts on every area of your life. Allowing adequate time to recover from these injuries is vital in preventing permanent disabilities.
Common Types of Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries often happen as a result of motor vehicle crashes, accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists, slip and fall accidents, and mishaps that occur while engaged in sports or recreational activities. Even a seemingly minor blow or jolt can result in serious damage to soft tissue, requiring extensive medical care and physical therapy. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), common types of soft tissue injuries include:
- Sprains: This involves stretching of the ligaments, which are the soft tissues that connect one bone to the other throughout the body. These are most likely to impact ankles, knees, and wrists.
- Strains: This involves stretching of the muscles or the tendons, which connect muscle to bone. These often occur in the feet, legs, and back.
- Tears: This happens when muscles, tendons, or ligaments are stretched to the point of actually tearing.
- Contusions: Otherwise known as bruising, this involves the crushing of muscles or connective tissues underneath the skin, causing blood to pool around the injury. While often thought of as a mere side effect of personal injuries, contusions can result in permanent soft tissue loss and nerve damage.
Recovery From Soft Tissue Injuries
In the case of soft tissue tears or other types of serious damage, surgery may be required. Otherwise, John Hopkins Medicine advises that the traditional treatment for soft tissue injuries falls under the acronym PRICE. This stands for:
- Protection: Soft tissue injuries leave affected body parts vulnerable. Protecting the injured area is a priority to prevent additional damage.
- Rest: Soft tissue injuries can take long months to heal. During this time, it is important to not put too much weight or pressure on the injured body part.
- Ice: While heat can help to relieve the pain associated with soft tissue injuries, ice helps to reduce swelling and aids in healing.
- Compression: Wrapping the injured area further restricts swelling and provides additional support for muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Elevation: Elevating the injured area reduces blood flow and pressure, which is important in recovery.
The process of healing from soft tissue injuries can take anywhere from six months to a year or more. Medical expenses and lost wages you incur during this time should be factored into your claim, as should any potential long term disabilities you are likely to suffer as a result.
Contact Our Fort Myers Personal Injury Attorney
You only have one chance to get the compensation you need to recover in a personal injury claim. To ensure you get the maximum amount you need to recover, get the Bernardo Law Firm on your side. Call or contact our Fort Myers personal injury attorney online to request a consultation today.