What are the two main types of injuries?
Traumatic and Overuse.
Define a traumatic injury.
Caused by a single force (macrotrauma), sudden onset of signs and symptoms.
Give examples of traumatic injuries.
Fracture, sprain, strain, contusion, bursitis, dislocation, subluxation.
Define an overuse injury.
Caused by cumulative/repetitive stress with gradual overload (microtrauma).
Examples of overuse injuries?
Tendinitis, stress fracture, bursitis, muscle soreness.
Define acute injury.
An injury that just occurred; can describe stage of healing.
Define subacute injury.
Acute injury that is >72–96 hrs old, not yet chronic.
Define chronic injury.
Injury/condition that has been present ‘for a while’ or lasting >6 weeks.
Define recurrent injury.
An injury that heals but occurs again (traumatic or overuse).
What tissues are injured in a sprain?
Ligaments, joint capsules, synovial membranes.
Grade 1 sprain?
Stretching of tissue, intact, no laxity or instability.
Grade 2 sprain?
Partial tear, some instability, slight laxity with endpoint.
Grade 3 sprain?
Complete tear, major instability, laxity without endpoint.
Signs/symptoms of sprains?
Swelling, ecchymosis, point tenderness, instability, pain, limited ROM.
Why can pain sometimes decrease quickly in grade 3 sprains?
Nerve fibers may be completely torn, reducing pain sensation.
What tissues are injured in a strain?
Muscle or tendon.
Common causes of strains?
Powerful contraction or overstretching.
Grade 1 strain?
Stretching or minor tearing of fibers, intact.
Grade 2 strain?
Partial tear, moderate pain, swelling, decreased ROM.
Grade 3 strain?
Severe/complete tear, loss of function, major swelling, deformity.
Why might a sprain also result in a strain?
Surrounding muscles contract to stabilize the joint, sometimes overstressing and tearing.
What tissue load causes contusions?
Compressive forces.
Signs/symptoms of contusions?
Pain, swelling, discoloration, tenderness, decreased ROM.
Define a fracture.
Acute injury causing discontinuity of bone from external or internal force.
