classify the soft tissue injuries and mention the causes and prevention of any one of them
Answers
Prevention
Warming up, stretching and cooling down.
Undertaking training prior to competition to ensure readiness to play.
Including appropriate speed work in training programs so muscles are capable of sustaining high acceleration forces.
Including appropriate stretching and strengthening exercises in weekly training programs.
Gradually increasing the intensity and duration of training.
Maintaining high levels of cardiovascular fitness and muscle endurance to prevent fatigue.
Allowing adequate recovery time between workouts or training sessions.
Wearing appropriate footwear that is well fitted and provides adequate support and traction for the playing surface.
Wearing protective equipment, such as shin guards, mouthguards and helmets.
Ensuring the playing surface and the sporting environment is safe and clear of any potentially dangerous objects.
Drinking water before, during and after play.
Avoiding activities that cause pain.
Signs and symptoms
Types of soft tissue injuries include:
Acute injury
Injuries that occur from a known or sometimes unknown incident. Signs and symptoms develop rapidly.
Bruise (contusion, cork)
Bruises are caused by a direct force applied to the body such as being kicked or making contact with a player and result in compression and bleeding into the soft tissue (hematoma).
Signs and symptoms: Swelling and/or discolouration.
Sprain
Sprains are caused when the joint is forced beyond its normal range of motion resulting in overstretching and tearing of the ligament that supports the joint.
Signs and symptoms: Swelling, loss of power or ability to bear weight, possible discolouration and bruising and/or sudden onset of pain.
Strain
Strains are caused by muscles over-stretching or contracting too quickly, resulting in a partial or complete tear of the muscle and/or tendon fibres.
Signs and symptoms: Swelling, possible discolouration and bruising and/or pain on movement.
Overuse Injury
Overuse injuries occur as a result of repetitive friction, pulling, twisting, or compression that develops over time.
Signs and symptoms: Will develop slowly, inflammation, pain.
Immediate Management
The immediate treatment of any soft tissue injury consists of the RICER protocol – rest, ice, compression, elevation and referral. RICE protocol should be followed for 48–72 hours. The aim is to reduce the bleeding and damage within the joint.
The No HARM protocol should also be applied – no heat, no alcohol, no running or activity, and no massage. This will ensure decreased bleeding and swelling in the injured area.
This regime should be used for all ligament sprains, muscle sprains and muscle bruises. Referral for bumps and bruises which occur in sport or physical activity, other than those which are minor is recommended.
Rehabilitation and return to play
You can expect full recovery from most soft tissue injuries in one to six weeks. The length of time depends on your age, general health and the severity