Soft tissue injuries can happen to anyone, no matter their age or physical activity level. While they can be caused by a variety of factors, such as sudden twisting forces and overuse, direct blunt trauma from an accident is the most concerning.
Can soft tissue damage be permanent? When the tissue is damaged, it can lead to potential long-term injuries under certain circumstances.
At Peterson Law Office, our attorneys have handled a number of cases where our clients have suffered harm, including soft tissue injuries. While these injuries might be temporary, some can lead to lifelong problems.
How Do Soft Tissue Injuries Occur?
When ligaments that attach bones are stretched or torn due to sudden twisting forces, that is known as a sprain. These injuries can occur in various parts of the body, from the wrist to the ankles. Sometimes, sprains can cause chronic pain and instability in the affected joint.
Strains affect muscles and tendons. When these are injured by blunt force trauma or overstretching, they can cause pain. Often, these injuries make it difficult to perform everyday tasks.
Bruises, or contusions, are another type of soft tissue injury. In many cases, these are the result of direct blunt force trauma. When that part of the body is impacted, it can cause bleeding into tissues, leading to skin discoloration. Severe contusions can impact tissue health and cause pain and swelling.
Finally, whiplash is considered a soft tissue injury and occurs in the neck area when the head is rapidly swung back and forth such as in the instance of a car accident.
What Type of Soft Tissue Injuries Occur Due to Accidents?
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, soft tissue problems result from overuse or acute injuries.
Sometimes, soft tissue injuries are caused by repetitive stress to a certain area. Runner’s knee, tennis elbow, and shin splints are a few common injuries. Those are known as overuse injuries, and they are not the same as those caused by an accident or blunt force trauma.
Slips and falls, vehicle accidents, and other types of traumatic events can lead to acute injuries. These types of impairments often affect the soft tissues of the body. With the proper treatment, sprains, strains, and bruises will heal over time. Whiplash often heals over time.
Unfortunately, there are times when these injuries could lead to long-term issues that cause significant problems for the affected person.
Healing time plays a major role in recovering from an injury. For the most part, minor sprains and strains may resolve within a few weeks, while moderate injuries may take several weeks to months to heal completely. Severe injuries might require longer healing times, even up to a year or longer.
Are These Permanent Injuries?
While most soft tissue injuries heal completely with proper treatment and time, some may leave lasting effects. The permanence of soft tissue damage depends on several factors.
The severity of the injury is an essential factor in determining the permanence of soft tissue damage. Mild injuries, such as a minor sprain, often heal completely with rest, ice, compression, and elevation. However, severe tears or ruptures may require surgery and rehabilitation. In severe situations, they may leave lasting effects such as limited range of motion or chronic pain. Whiplash can additionally lead to permanent symptoms including limited range of motion and chronic pain.
Seeking treatment right away can affect whether these remain temporary or permanent injuries. When you get prompt medical attention after an accident, it can improve the outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term effects. Any delays may cause the injury to worsen. As a result, it can become potentially permanent damage, according to the Merck MSD Manual.
Genetics, overall health, and lifestyle factors can influence healing. People with healthy habits may recover faster and experience less permanent damage than those in poor health.
Finally, chronic conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or other medical issues can impact tissue repair. Sometimes, that can cause an increase in the risk of permanent damage.
The Risks of Long-Term Soft Tissue Damage
Soft tissue injuries can have long-term effects. They could permanently affect an individual’s mobility, comfort, and lifestyle.
One of the most common outcomes is a reduced range of motion. When this happens, scar tissue formation can limit joint movement. As a result, it can become difficult for individuals to perform everyday activities.
Chronic pain is another possible long-term effect. Nerve damage or persistent inflammation may cause ongoing discomfort. Once again, that can affect an individual’s quality of life.
Weakness can also occur. Soft tissue damage can result in weakness, and it may be hard for affected individuals to perform certain tasks.
When this happens, individuals with permanent damage may need to modify activities or seek adaptive solutions to cope with their injuries. Sometimes, individuals with such impairments will need to avoid certain movements or activities, use mobility aids, or seek physical therapy to maintain as much functionality as possible.
However, these adjustments come at a cost, and their medical bills can quickly add up. If the accident resulted from the reckless or negligent actions of another, they could be liable for these expenses.
Reaching out to an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you determine which options may be available in your case for recovering compensation for a persistent injury like this.
