This document discusses and defines different types of soft tissue injuries: contusions (bruises), sprains, tendonitis, bursitis, stress fractures, and strains. It provides details on the causes, symptoms, and typical treatment for each type of injury, which generally involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). More serious injuries may require surgical intervention if tissues are completely torn. The document is intended to educate on the classification and management of various soft tissue damages.

1. SOFT TISSUES INJURIES
Prof. Dr. B. RAMKUMAR, PT,M.P.T(cardio),
PRINCIPAL
TRINITY MISSIOIN AND MEDICAL FOUNDATION
MADURAI.

2. Introduction
Many activities can lead to soft-tissue damage of muscles,
ligaments, and tendons. The result can be pain, swelling,
bruising, and damage. Soft-tissue injuries are classified as the
following:
 Contusions (bruises)
 Sprains
 Tendonitis
 Bursitis
 Stress injuries
 Strains
 Athletes and nonathletes share many similar soft-tissue injuries.

3. CONTUSION
 A contusion (bruise) is an injury to the soft tissue often produced by a
blunt force, such as a kick, fall, or blow. The result will be pain, swelling,
and discoloration because of bleeding into the tissue. Treatment for
contusions includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.).
More serious contusions may need to be examined by a doctor.

4. SPRAIN
 A sprain is a partial tear to a ligament and is often caused by a wrench
or twist. Sprains often affect the ankles, knees, or wrists. The treatment
for a sprain includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.). If
the ligament is completely torn, surgical repair may be necessary.
e.g Ankle sprain
Ligaments are fibrous, elastic bands of tissue that connect and stabilize
the bones. An ankle sprain is a common, painful injury that occurs when
one or more of the ankle ligaments is stretched beyond the normal
range of motion. Sprains can occur as a result of sudden twisting,
turning or rolling movements.

5. TENDINITIS
 Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon, a flexible band of tissue that
connects muscle to bones. Tendonitis is often due to an overuse injury
in the affected area from repetitive motion. Areas commonly affected
include the elbow, hand, wrist, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, and foot.
Often the tendonitis is named for the sport or movement that triggers
the inflammation, such as tennis or golfer's elbow, swimmer's shoulder,
and jumper's knee.
 Treatment involves healing the inflamed area with rest, compression,
elevation, and anti-inflammatory medicine. Ice may be used in the acute
phase of injury. Stretching and strengthening exercises can gradually
be added to help avoid further injury. Steroid injections may be used for
some types of tendonitis if chronic pain persists. If a tendon is
completely torn, surgery may be required.

6. BURSITIS
 Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that provides a
cushion between bones and muscles or tendons. Like tendonitis,
bursitis is often caused by overuse injury, but can also be caused by
direct trauma to a joint. Bursitis commonly affects the shoulder, elbow,
knee, hip, ankle, and foot.
 Treatment involves rest, compression, elevation, and anti-inflammatory
medicine. Ice may be used in the acute phase of injury to reduce
swelling. Injections may be needed if pain and swelling persist. If the
bursitis is caused by an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

7. STRESS FRACTURE
 A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone, commonly occurring in the
weight-bearing bones of the lower extremities, including legs, hips, and
feet. Stress fractures are most often caused by overuse and increase in
physical activity. Initial treatment includes stopping the activity that
caused the fracture, elevation, ice, and anti-inflammatory medicine.
Continued treatment includes rest, decreasing weight-bearing on the
affected area, shoe inserts or braces, and possibly cast immobilization.
If the crack in the bone progresses further to a complete break, surgery
may be required.

8. STRAIN
 A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon, and is often caused by
overuse, force, or stretching. The treatment for a strain is rest, ice,
compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E). If a tear in the muscle occurs,
surgical repair may be needed.

9. THANK YOU
Prof. Dr. B. RAMKUMAR, PT,M.P.T(cardio),
PRINCIPAL
TRINITY MISSIOIN AND MEDICAL FOUNDATION
MADURAI.