Damage to muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues is among the most common types of personal injuries. They occur due to a variety of different causes and have symptoms that may take days or even weeks to fully appear. Unfortunately, this delay may cause accident victims to not report the incident or get the medical care they need. This can impact your rights in a personal injury claim and can result in serious health complications.
Common Types of Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries happen due to car, bike, or pedestrian accidents, slips, falls, or getting struck by or against objects, and are one of the most common types of sports injuries. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), it is most often the muscles, tendons, and ligaments which are affected. The AAOS reports that the three most common types of soft tissue injuries include:
- Sprains: This involves stretching or tearing of the ligaments, which connect bones throughout the body.
- Strains: This involves stretching or tearing of the muscles or tendons, which connect muscles to bones.
- Contusions: These are the bruises you experience as a result of a direct blow.
All of the above need to be taken seriously. Failing to get medical care or disregarding your doctor’s instructions regarding treatment or activity restrictions could leave you suffering potentially permanent disabilities.
Soft Tissue Injury Complications
Treatment for soft tissue injuries generally involves resting the affected area, applying ice to relieve swelling, and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. If a tear occurs, your doctor may have to make surgical repairs. In all of these situations, it is important to be alert for signs of complications.
While muscle or tendon strains and sprains are often considered minor, they can have major consequences on your health. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) warns that complications that can happen with these injuries include:
- Infections: Toxic infections can occur within bruised muscles and may spread throughout the body
- Myolysis: This involves the destruction of the muscles and surrounding soft tissues
- Hernias: This is when portions of the muscle or tendon swell, become displaced and protrude from the body
- Fibrosis: This is when excess scar tissue builds up in the affected area
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): One of the most dangerous complications of soft tissue injuries, this is when potentially fatal blood clots form in the injured area
In addition to the above complications, a repeat injury is always a concern with soft tissue injuries. Damaged muscles, tendons, and ligaments can take up to a year or longer to completely heal. During this time, they are more susceptible to re-injury, which increases the odds of permanent disabilities.
Contact Our Virginia Personal Injury Law Firm for Help
If you have suffered soft tissue injury in a vehicle accident, do not delay in contacting Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to speak with one of our dedicated Hampton, VA car accident attorneys. We will work to get you the financial compensation you deserve for any losses your injuries have caused you to suffer, including medical bills, loss of income, pain and suffering and more. Call our office today for a free case evaluation.
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