Recovering From a Soft Tissue Injury
Soft tissues refer to the “softer” parts of the outer body excluding bones and joints. Soft tissue injuries are common, ranging from minor to severe.
These injuries fall into 2 categories
- Acute: injuries caused by sudden trauma, such as a fall, twist or blow to the body.
- Overuse: gradual injury over time and typically with athletes or other activity that is repetitively performed closely together not allowing the body to heal between occurrences.
Most Common Acute Soft Tissue Injuries
- Sprains: a stretch and/or tear of a ligament, which is a band of connective tissues that connects bones to one another. Ligaments help support and stabilize the body’s joints.
- Strains: An injury to a muscle and/or tendon. These are fibrous cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones.
- Contusions: a bruise that is caused by continuous blows or one direct blow. These crush the muscle fibers and connective tissue without even breaking the skin.
The R.I.C.E treatment initially used for soft tissue injuries
- Rest: Take a break from the activity that caused your injury.
- Ice: Use cold packs in intervals of 20 minutes multiple times throughout the day.
- Compression: To prevent any blood loss or and minimize swelling, wrap area with a compression sleeve or band.
- Elevation: This is to reduce swelling. Elevate the injury higher than your heart.
If you have attempted the R.I.C.E. protocol without finding relief, there may be a
more serious underlying issue involving the ligament, tendon, nerve or blood vessel and this would need to be addressed ASAP before the damage is irreversible.
Dr. Volshteyn, our board certified plastic surgeon, completed his fellowship in micro surgery and is well versed in the repair of soft tissue injuries. Please call our office today to schedule your appointment 732-641-3350
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