Management of Acute Soft Tissue Injuries

Abstract

Participation in sports-related activities increases the risk for acute injury to soft tissues. In adults, the sites most often affected include the ankle, knee, and wrist joint structures, along with the muscles of the back and extremities. The subsequent inflammatory response to tissue damage results in pain and swelling, which limits mobility. A thorough patient assessment is required for accurate diagnosis and provides a guide for appropriate treatment. Initial management is based on the principles of basic first aid: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Pharmacological therapy can also be used to achieve pain relief and improve mobility. There are few well-controlled studies addressing the pharmacotherapy of acute soft tissue injury, but clinical experience with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is extensive. Both traditional and nontraditional therapeutic approaches are discussed.