These injuries often occur during sports and exercise activities, but simple everyday activities can cause an injury. Sprains, strains, contusions, tendinitis, bursitis, and synovitis are common soft-tissue injuries.
Injury to soft tissues can result in pain, swelling, bruising, and loss of function in the affected area. Often these injuries heal in a week or two, but severe injuries require prompt medical attention.
Tendinitis is an inflammation or irritation of a tendon or the covering of a tendon. Symptoms typically include swelling and pain that worsens with activity.
Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa: a small, jelly-like sac located throughout the body, including around the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and heel. Repeated small stresses and overuse can cause a bursa in the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, or ankle to swell.
Synovitis is the inflammation of the synovial membrane. This membrane lines joints that possess cavities, like the shoulder and hip, known as synovial joints.
