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What is Soft Tissue and Ligament Trauma in Athletes?
Soft tissues and ligaments are the name given to all the important structures that enable our body to move, protect and support. These structures are formed by the combination of different cell types and undertake different functions. Soft tissue is the general name of the structures that surround and support all structures of our body. Many different structures such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, fat, skin, nerves and blood vessels are classified as soft tissues. Ligaments are structures that hold and stabilize joints. These structures have a hard and elastic structure.
All these structures can be damaged for various reasons. Soft tissue and ligament trauma occurs very frequently, especially in athletes. The primary cause of soft tissue and ligament trauma in athletes is damage to the ligaments that exist to limit the movement of the joints and to prevent injuries by preventing excessive movement of the joints, as a result of sudden movements or trauma. The most common areas are the knee, ankle, shoulder and elbow areas.
What are the Types of Soft Tissue and Ligament Trauma in Athletes?
Soft tissue problems refer to trauma in parts other than bone and hard tissue. These traumas only cover parts of the soft tissues and ligaments. Soft tissue and ligament trauma in athletes may occur as a result of a sudden event outside or as a result of long-term use of a certain part of the body inside. Soft tissue and ligament trauma types in athletes are divided into two:
Acute Soft Tissue and Ligament Injuries
Soft tissue and ligament injuries in athletes that develop acutely may require immediate intervention. This includes any sprain or soft tissue trauma, as well as a sudden injury.
In acute soft tissue and ligament injuries in athletes, effects such as crushing, bruises, cuts, and tears that occur in the tissue depending on the situation should be examined very carefully and if there is blood loss or a visible open wound, immediate intervention should be performed. Soft tissue and ligament injuries in athletes are a problem that should be taken seriously, and as MSM Clinic, we start the treatment immediately to prevent more important problems.
Chronic Soft Tissue and Ligament Injuries
It is very important for the future and performance of the athlete to take symptoms such as swelling, edema, tenderness and redness seriously and to be examined by a good orthopedic and traumatology doctor as soon as possible due to ligament and tissue trauma in athletes that develop due to non-acute use.
Treatment of Soft Tissue and Ligament Trauma in Athletes
Soft tissue and ligament injuries are a very common and annoying problem in athletes. These injuries can lead to pain, swelling, limitation of movement and even disability, and can have a negative impact on the athlete’s performance. Treatment of soft tissue and ligament trauma in athletes varies widely depending on the severity and location of the injury. According to the diagnosis made by MSM Clinic specialist doctors, the following measures may be sufficient in case of minor injuries:
- Resting: Resting the traumatized area and keeping it at certain angles will accelerate the healing process.
- Cold application: Applying cold to the injured area will help reduce swelling and pain.
- Pressure: Applying pressure to the injured area and applying ointments deemed appropriate by the doctor will help reduce swelling.
- Elevation: Keeping the injured area above heart level will help reduce swelling.
- Physical therapy for athletes: It is specific to the person and injury, such as manual massage and relaxation.
In addition to these measures, medications prescribed by our doctor can also be used. These medications can help reduce pain and inflammation. For more severe injuries, physical therapy and rehabilitation may be required. Physical therapy will help strengthen muscles and ligaments and increase mobility. For injuries caused by overuse, some medical equipment may also be recommended. This equipment will help prevent the progression of the injury, but is used for a certain period of time. If all these treatments are inconclusive and pain and movement limitation still persist, or there may be injuries requiring surgical intervention at the time of initial diagnosis.
How Does the Recovery Process of Soft Tissue and Ligament Trauma Happen in Athletes?
As MSM Clinical Orthopedics and Traumatology Clinic, our aim is to keep the healing process of soft tissue and ligament traumas in athletes as short as possible and to offer the most effective treatment so that the athlete can return to sports life and training as soon as possible. For this reason, it is of great importance that both the athlete and the physician work in coordination and complete the treatment process. Therefore, effective and correct team work is required. As in MSM Clinic, the relationship between physician, physiotherapist and athlete should be healthy.
Athletes often ignore soft tissue and ligament injuries and continue training with temporary measures. This can cause much greater trauma later. As MSM Clinic, we meticulously take all the necessary steps to help athletes recover from soft tissue and ligament injuries in the fastest and most effective way.
