injuries and poisoning
Overview of Sprains and Other Soft Tissue Injuries
Introduction
Sprains are tears in ligaments (tissues that connect one bone to another). Other soft-tissue injuries include tears in muscles (strains) and tears (ruptures) in tendons (tissues that connect muscles to bones). Most injuries to muscles and the tissues that connect them result from injuries or overuse. The injured part hurts (especially when it is used), is usually swollen, and may be bruised. Other injuries, such as fractures, dislocations, blood vessel and nerve damage, compartment syndrome, infections, and long-lasting joint problems, may also be present or develop. Doctors can sometimes diagnose these problems based on symptoms, the circumstances causing the injury, and results of a physical examination, but sometimes x-rays or other imaging tests are needed. Most injuries heal well and result in few problems, but how long they take to heal varies, depending on many factors, such as the person's age, the type and severity of the injury, and other disorders present. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury and may include pain relievers, PRICE (protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation), immobilization of the injured part (for example, with a cast or splint), and sometimes surgery. Bones, muscles, and the tissues that connect them (ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissue, which are called soft tissues) make up the musculoskeletal system. These structures give the body its form, make it stable, and enable it to move. Tissues of the musculoskeletal system can be damaged in various ways: Sprains: Ligaments (which attach bone to bone) can be torn. Strains: Muscles can be torn. Tendon rupture: Tendons (which attach muscle to bone) can be torn. Overview of Fractures : Bones can be cracked or broken. Usually, the surrounding tissues are also injured. Overview of Dislocations : The bones in a joint may become completely separated from each other (called dislocation) or only partly out of position (called subluxation). Sprains, strains, and other musculoskeletal injuries vary greatly in severity and in the treatment needed. Sprains and strainscan be Mild (1st-degree): Fibers in muscles or ligaments are stretched but not torn, or only a few fibers are torn. Moderate (2nd-degree): Some to almost all fibers are torn. Severe (3rd-degree): All fibers are torn. Tendonsmay also be completely or partially torn. If a tendon is completely torn, the affected body part usually cannot move. If only part of the tendon is torn, movement is unaffected, but the tendon may continue to tear and may later tear completely, particularly if people put substantial pressure on the affected part. Manypartial tearsin ligaments, tendons, or muscles heal spontaneously. Complete tearsoften require surgery. Muscles and other soft tissues may be seriously damaged when a bone is fractured or dislocated. The skin, nerves, blood vessels, and organs may also be damaged. These injuries can cause temporary or permanent problems. Most often, soft-tissue injuries involve the limbs, but any body part, such as the Neck Pain or 