What is soft tissue injury?

The human body is made up of many soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. They are connected and support the other tissues and organs in the body. The most frequent causes of soft tissue injuries are sports, physical activity, sudden falls, and twisting movements. Listed below are the possible causes of soft tissue injuries:

  • Contusions
  • Sprains
  • Tendonitis
  • Bursitis
  • Stress injuries
  • Strains

1. Contusions   

It is a typical soft tissue bruise that occurs due to a violent kick or fall and causes swelling, discomfort, and discoloration. Ice compression and rest are typically used as treatments.

2. Sprain

It is a partial tear of the ligament that frequently happens due to a twist or tear. Usually, the ankles, knees, or wrists are affected. Sprains frequently originate from abrupt twisting, turning, or rolling motions.

3. Tendinitis

Tendon is a fibrous cord that attaches the muscle to bone. Tendinitis is an inflammation or irritation caused in the tendon. 

4. Bursitis

Bursae are tiny sacs filled with fluid that cushion the muscles, tendons, and bones close to joints. When the bursae become inflamed, bursitis occurs. It typically happens close to joints, such as the shoulder, elbow, hip, and heel. 

5. Stress Fracture

This is when a crack in the bone appears due to the frequent repetitive force. Track and field athletes can develop this type of soft tissue injuries.

Types of soft tissue

The soft tissues of the body are

  • Muscles

The body’s movement, posture maintenance, and blood circulation are all accomplished by the muscles. There are three different types of muscles, including the smooth muscle that lines the blood arteries, stomach, intestines, and bladder. Smooth muscle functions automatically. The automatic movement is managed by these muscles.

Cardiac muscle, as its name implies, is found in the walls of the heart and is one of the automatic muscles that enables the heart to pump blood. The muscles that adhere to the bones are referred to as skeletal or voluntary muscles. This kind of muscle helps you stand up straight by holding the bones together. 

  • Fat

Organs are encased in fat, which also acts as a padded layer. It is typically located beneath the skin and covers organs like the kidneys. Adipocytes, which are a specific kind of fat tissue, make up this kind of soft tissue.

  • Blood vessels 

There are three different forms of these long, hollow elasti tubes: capillaries, veins, and arteries. The road that blood takes to reach the body’s other organs is paved with blood vessels.

  • Nerves

Neural or nervous tissue are other names for nerve tissue. All of the body’s movements and functions are governed by this soft tissue. The nerves are in charge of communicating information from one body part to another.