Disorders of the Soft Tissues
Your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bursa are all susceptible to damage from daily stress and sports activities. These tissues can be stressed by an imbalance in muscle strength (when one muscle is much stronger than its opposing muscle), lack of flexibility, or weakness caused by a previous injury. A fall, a sudden twisting motion, or a blow to the body is sufficient to cause any of the following problems. Using the injured part before it has healed completely often leads to reinjury.
Bursitis
A bursa is a fluid-filled sac between a bone and a tendon or muscle that allows the tendon to slide smoothly over the bone. Bursitis occurs when repeated stress and overuse cause the bursa to become inflamed and swollen with excess fluid. Bursitis also can result from injury, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or infection. Bursitis most often occurs in the shoulder but also can affect the hip, knee, elbow, Achilles tendon, or ankle. Often the nearby tendon also becomes swollen. Bursitis usually can be treated with rest, ice, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Occasionally it is necessary for a doctor to withdraw excess fluid from the bursa using a needle and syringe. If an infection is present, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. If there is no infection, the doctor may inject a corticosteroid drug to relieve symptoms. Even with successful treatment, however, the condition may recur. If bursitis recurs frequently, the affected bursa may be removed in a minor surgical procedure called bursectomy.
Contusion
A contusion refers to a bruised muscle, tendon, or ligament. Following injury, blood pools (collects) in the injured area and discolors the skin. Most contusions respond well to RICE: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. However, if you do not see improvement or if the pain worsens, contact your doctor as soon as possible so he or she can take steps to prevent permanent damage to the soft tissues.
Tendinitis
Tendons are cordlike tissues that connect muscle to bone. Inflammation of a tendon is called tendinitis. The condition usually results from excess friction between a tendon and a bone. Tendinitis usually occurs after longterm stress that aggravates a specific tendon. Professional athletes and workers engaged in repetitive job activities are at high risk for tendinitis. Although any tendon can become inflamed, the tendons of the shoulder, wrist, heel (Achilles tendon), and elbow are most susceptible to overuse injuries.
Symptoms of tendinitis include pain, tenderness, and, in some cases, restricted movement of the attached muscle.
Treatment of tendinitis may include making changes in your activities or routine, receiving corticosteroid injections, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen, splinting (immobilizing the tendon), and performing exercises to correct muscle strength imbalance and improve flexibility. Persistent inflammation that does not respond to other forms of treatment may require surgery.
Tags: Bursitis, Contusion, Disorders of the Soft Tissues, Symptoms of tendinitis, Tendinitis, Treatment of tendinitis
Posted in Bones and Joints
