Los Angeles Soft Tissue Injury Attorney

Soft Tissue Injury Overview
A soft tissue injury refers to any damage to the skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments and internal organs of the body. Frequently categorized under the umbrella medical terms of tendonitis or bursitis, soft tissue injuries can result from a single incident or the cumulative stress of repeated overuse.

Soft tissue injuries typically have symptoms such as pain, redness, swelling, bruising and may cause a temporary loss of function and mobility.

Types of Soft Tissue Injuries
Sprains, strains, contusions, cuts, or repetitive movement injuries are the most common types of soft tissue injuries. Sprains are injuries to the ligaments or the strong bands of tissue connecting bone to bone that support the joints of the body. A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched or torn completely or partially. The joints most frequently sprained are the ankles, knees and wrists. Mild sprains heal with a combination of rest, ice, compression and elevation or ‘R.I.C.E.'. Moderate sprains may require a period of bracing; severe sprains may require surgery to repair the torn ligaments.

Strains: Strains are an injury to the muscles or to the tendons connecting the muscle to the bone. A strain may be an overstretched muscle or tendon or it may be a partial or complete tear. R.I.C.E. is also indicated for strains followed by physical therapy exercises to restore mobility and reduce pain. As with sprains if there is a serious tear in the tissue then a strain may require surgery to be resolved.

Contusions: Contusions refer to bruises and other internal injuries caused by a blow to the soft tissues of the body such as the muscles, ligaments or tendons. Bruises form when blood pools at the injury site underneath the skin and causes a discoloration. Mild contusions are frequent and normal and respond well to ice and elevation. Severe contusions with symptoms that persist beyond the normal time frame of a few days can indicate internal bleeding or other tissue trauma that may result in permanent soft tissue damage if not medically resolved.

Tendonitis: Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendons. Inflammation occurs as a healing response to injury and normally presents as swelling, heat, redness and pain at the injury site. Inflammation of a tendon or the sheath covering a tendon is also called tesynovitis. Tendonitis is often caused by repeated stresses and microtears. Tendonitis is treated with rest, anti-inflammatory medications or steroids, splints and physical therapy. If the inflammation is persistent it can damage the tendons permanently and may lead to surgery.

Bursitis: Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, or fluid filled sacs that cushion the space between the bones, tendons and muscles. Similar to tendonitis, bursitis may occur after repeated overuse. Bursitis may occur alone or in conjunction with tendonitis. Rest, anti-inflammatory medication and steroids all help to cure bursitis.

Stress Fractures: Stress fractures may also fall under the definition of soft tissue injury as they are often caused by overuse or pressure. Pain and swelling are the most frequent symptoms of stress fractures. They can be difficult to diagnose as they often do not appear on X-rays and are sometimes misdiagnosed as sprains or strains. Stress fractures respond well to rest and modification of activities and a period of brief immobilization through a cast or brace.

How Soft Tissue Injuries Occur
Soft tissue injuries may occur as the result of a single incident such as a fall or car accident, or an abrupt movement. They may also occur over time as slight damages from repetitive motions gradually accumulate to greater injure the soft tissues. Muscular imbalances, poor form while working or engaging in physical activities as well as exhaustion can all contribute to soft tissue injuries.

Soft Tissue Injury Statistics

• Soft tissue injuries are responsible for nearly 32% of lost work days annually.
• Soft tissue injuries account for 60% of all occupational injuries.
• Approximately 12.5% of all injuries diagnosed as tendonitis or bursitis may actually be a form of inflammatory arthritis.

• Soft Tissue Injury Claims