First of all, car accident, victims can sustain many different injuries. So, let’s imagine a car accident victim. Then, visualize the injuries they received from the accident. Like most people, you probably envisioned cuts, back, or neck injuries. Since these types of injuries project very common visuals. But, we shouldn’t disregard other injuries like soft tissue injuries. Because when left untreated a soft tissue injury could worsen. And, have debilitating consequences.
What is a Soft Tissue Injury?
To begin with, soft tissue injury is damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in your body. While these injuries can happen due to overuse of a specific part of the body. They can also occur from the trauma caused by a car accident.
Typically, people with soft tissue injuries will experience pain, swelling, and bruising. As well as, loss of function to that body part. As a result, this function loss can make it difficult to complete everyday activities.
Common Types of Soft Tissue Injuries
Considering, soft tissue injuries occur from unexpected and sometimes serious trauma. Like when a person’s body gets jolted and twisted in a car accident or even a slip and fall. With this in mind, these injuries fall under the following categories:
- Sprains – These injuries result from torn or stretched ligaments. And, ligaments connect our bones and help provide stability. Thus, when you have a sprain your bone will lose their support on the joints.
- Strains – These injuries, affect the muscles and tendons. Like, sprains they can vary from simple stretches to complete tears. Thus, leaving the victim unable to move. Even though strains are common with the lower extremities, they also happen in whiplash accidents.
- Tears – Are a severe sprain or strain that tears a muscle, ligament, or tendon. And, could result in a partial or complete tear of the area. Additionally, severe tears could require surgery to repair the damage.
- Contusions – Also know as bruises and considered closed wounds. While the skin does not break, the damage is under the skin resulting in discoloration of the area. Thus, contusions occur in car accidents when parts of the body hit the steering wheel or other interior parts of the vehicle.
Well, we can’t talk about soft tissue injuries without mentioning whiplash. Which is a serious form of soft tissue injury to the neck. Also known as cervical strain/sprain or hyperextension injury. Because it results from a sudden stretch of the muscles and ligaments. Usually, caused by impact during the accident. Luckily, most people can make a full recovery in a few months.
How to Treat Soft Tissue Injuries
Generally, after an accident, you should get checked out by a doctor. Because even minor injuries could worsen without the proper treatment. And a doctor will know the best way to treat your particular injury. Even though, your body will try to repair itself with inflammation a natural reaction to soft tissue damage. Sometimes, your body will overreact causing more damage.
Thus, depending on the extent of the injury the doctor may require physical therapy. Or even immobilization to help the body heal. Although, for minor soft tissue injuries they usually treat with the “R.I.C.E” method to help reduce inflammation. Which stands for the following:
- Rest – Allows your body to heal without causing more damage.
- Ice – Applying ice indirectly to the skin will help reduce the inflammation.
- Compression – Wrapping the area tightly will help compress the injury. And, prevent further swelling.
- Elevation – Lifting the injured body part above the heart helps the blood to return to the heart. Which can also reduce the swelling.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
