Soft tissue injuries are some of the most common injuries that accident victims suffer. They can be difficult to spot and are not as noticeable as broken bones or other serious injuries. However, they can result in just as much pain, suffering, and disruption to your life.
Here is everything you need to know about soft tissue injuries.
What Are Soft Tissues?
The most common soft tissues are ligaments, muscles, and tendons. They connect and support other tissues and surround the body’s organs. Fat, blood vessels, tissues, and nerves are also considered soft tissues.
What Is a Soft Tissue Injury?
A soft tissue injury is generally an injury to a muscle, tendon, or ligament. They often result in swelling, bruising, and other damage. These injuries can be painful and may require a prolonged period of time to heal.
What Are Common Types of Soft Tissue Injuries?
Some of the most common types of soft tissue injuries include the following:
Contusions
A contusion is a bruise. These injuries occur when a blunt object strikes the body, which crushes the muscle fibers and connective tissue but does not break the skin. Contusions often occur because of trauma, such as from a fall or a hit to the body. The skin underneath changes color because blood pools around the injury site.
Sprains
A sprain is a stretch or tear of a ligament, which is responsible for stabilizing and supporting joints. Ankles, wrists, and knees are the parts of the body that are most susceptible to sprains. Sprains are often accompanied by pain, swelling, inflammation, and bruising.
Strains
A strain is a muscle or tendon injury. Tendons are fibrous cords of tissue that attach muscles to bones. Strains can be stretches of the muscle or tendon or a partial or complete tear.
Common symptoms that accompany strains include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Inflammation
- Muscle spasms or weakness
- Cramping
Seek medical attention if you believe you have suffered a strain.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common soft tissue injury to the neck, often suffered in rear-end car accidents. This injury occurs when the neck is overextended and the head snaps back and forth in response to a blow.
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures are small cracks in a bone, usually to the feet, legs, or hips, caused by overuse.
Tendinitis
Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon, often caused by several small stresses that aggravate the tendon on a repeated basis. Pain and swelling may increase with activity. This condition can arise with repetitive motions at work.
Bursitis
Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa, which is a small sac between bone and soft tissues that contains fluid. This condition can arise due to small stresses or overuse.
What Are Common Causes of Soft Tissue Injuries?
Soft tissue injuries are often caused by blunt force trauma to the body. This is usually because of some type of accident. When that accident is caused by someone else’s negligence – their care fell below that of a reasonable person and caused your injury – you may have the right to pursue compensation for the harm you suffered.
At Malone Law, we frequently represent individuals who have suffered soft tissue injuries in accidents and incidents, such as:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Defective and dangerous products
- Medical malpractice
If you believe that you have suffered a soft tissue injury, the first step is to seek a proper diagnosis from a qualified healthcare professional.
How Are Soft Tissue Injuries Diagnosed?
One of the difficulties of soft tissue injury cases is that these injuries can be difficult to diagnose. However, working with an experienced medical team can help you establish that you are suffering from soft tissue injuries and your right to financial recovery.
A few of the common ways to diagnose soft tissue injuries include:
- Analysis of symptoms – A qualified healthcare provider may be able to diagnose your soft tissue injury by asking you questions about your symptoms and their onset. Soft tissue injuries often cause pain, numbness, weakness, inflammation, and swelling.
- X-ray – X-rays show bones, but because they show the spacing between bones, they may be able to identify changes caused by soft tissue injuries. These are much less expensive than other types of tests, so they may be initially ordered to try to find a problem.
- MRI – Magnetic resonance imaging involves the use of a strong magnet connected to a computer to create detailed images of a specific area of the body. This type of test can sometimes reveal injuries that traditional x-ray technology may be unable to. However, MRIs are often very expensive and some healthcare providers may be hesitant to order them without strong proof of injury.
- CAT scan – Computerized axial tomography scans use x-ray and computer technology to create detailed images similar to MRIs. The scan shows images of soft tissues
- CT scan – Computed tomography scans also use x-ray and computer technology to create detailed images similar to MRIs. This type of scan may be used if the x-ray did not provide enough information about the injury.
If you suspect you suffered a soft tissue injury, seek medical treatment and work with your care team to have your injury properly diagnosed and treated.
How Are Soft Tissue Injuries Treated?
Soft tissue injuries are often treated with the RICE protocol, which stands for:
- Rest – You may need to rest for a few days following the injury to prevent further damage. Avoid putting weight on the injured area for two days.
- Ice – Ice application can help reduce pain and swelling. Apply an ice pack covered with a towel to the injured area for 15-minute increments every two to three hours in the days following the accident.
- Compression – Wrap the injured area with an elastic bandage to prevent swelling.
- Elevation – Raise the injured body part above your heart.
In some cases, injections or surgery may be necessary to treat soft tissue injuries.
What Compensation Can I Recover For Soft Tissue Injuries?
Don’t underestimate the impact a soft tissue injury can have on your life. You may require ongoing medical treatment for some time due to the injury. You may have to take time off work until your injuries completely heal. You could be enduring significant pain and suffering.
Through a personal injury claim, you can seek compensation for your accident-related losses, such as:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, medication, and ongoing care
- Rehabilitation and therapy expenses
- Lost income and used employment benefits
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses, such as alternative transportation costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
An experienced personal injury lawyer can review your case and determine the compensation you may be entitled to recover.
Contact an Experienced Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer To Discuss Compensation For Your Soft Tissue Injuries
Did you suffer a soft tissue injury in Atlanta, GA? Do you have questions about your right to pursue compensation for the harm someone else caused? If so, contact Malone Law. We provide a free case review in which we can discuss your case and explain your legal rights and options.