Dr. Ginni Sharma

There are two main categories into which soft tissue injuries fall into first is overuse and the second is acute.

• Acute injuries: These are brought on by unexpected trauma such as a twist, fall or a heavy blow. Strains, contusions and sprains are examples of acute injury.
• Overuse injuries: They happen gradually with time. Athletics experience this as they use specific areas of their bodies repeatedly, without giving them time to heal. Examples of soft tissue injuries due to overuse are bursitis and tendinitis.

Types of Overuse injuries

1. Tendinitis: It is an irritation or inflammation of the tendon coverings (also known as a sheath). Repeated small stresses that agitate the tendon may cause it. Pain and swelling are typical symptoms that may worsen with overuse. Professional swimmers, baseball players, golfers and tennis players are more prone to their arms and shoulders being affected by tendinitis. Stress elimination, steroid injections, anti-inflammatory drugs and splinting can all be used in the treatment of tendinitis. The tendons might get significantly damaged due to persisting inflammation and corrective surgery may be required.
2. Bursitis: Small sacs resembling jelly which are spread throughout the whole body are called bursa. These areas include the knees, the hip, heels, the elbow and the areas adjacent to the shoulders. They are located between soft tissues and bones and have small amounts of fluid to assist in reducing friction. An inflammation of the bursa is called bursitis. Tendinitis and bursitis are many –a- times experienced together.

Types of Acute injuries 

1. Contusion: Multiple blows or a direct one can cause a contusion. It is a bruise in which the underlying connective tissues and muscle fibres get crushed without a break in the skin. It may result from the body hitting a tough surface or from falling. The pooling of blood around the site of injury can cause a discoloration in the skin.
2. Strain: An injury to the muscles or tendons leads to strain. Fibrous tissues that hold the bone and muscles together are called the tendons. They generally happen in the back, the feet or legs. It may be just a stretch in the tendons and muscles, or it might be a complete or partial tear in the tendon and muscle junction. Pain, muscle weakness, muscle spasm, cramping, inflammation and swelling are typical strain symptoms.
3. Sprain: A tear or stretch in the ligament is called a sprain. Ligaments join the ends of bones together. They support and stabilize the joints of the body. For example, the knee ligaments connect the shinbone to the thighbone and this in turn facilitates running in athletes. The knees, wrists and ankles are the most susceptible to sprains.

It is likely for you to experience abnormal vaginal bleeding between your periods during one point in life. Vaginal bleeding is termed abnormal when you are not expecting your periods, when your menstrual flow is heavier or lighter than normal, and at times when it is not expected such as during pregnancy, or after menopause. Abnormal vaginal bleeding may result from a wide range of causes. It does not always indicate a serious or severe condition.

The different possible causes are discussed below:

1. Bleeding during pregnancy is not very normal and it indicates some complications in pregnancy. Spotting or light bleeding is common, but it is important for you to evaluate any form of bleeding by a doctor. Heavy vaginal bleeding occurring before 12 weeks during pregnancy indicates severe problems. Heavy vaginal bleeding that occurs after 12 weeks also indicates a problem like placenta previa.
2. Ovulation can result in mid-cycle bleeding.
3. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition, which interferes with normal ovulation, and may result in abnormal bleeding.
4. Certain medicines, including birth control pills may cause abnormal vaginal bleeding. Minor bleeding between your periods is likely during the first few months of using birth control pills. Bleeding may also occur, if you do not take the pills at a fixed time regularly.
5. An intrauterine device (IUD) also increases the chances of heavy periods and spotting.
6. Certain infections occurring in your pelvic organs such as the uterus, vagina, Fallopian tubes, cervix, and ovaries causes abnormal vaginal bleeding. The bleeding is more likely to occur after sexual intercourse and douching. These infections are commonly caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
7. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PTD) leads to infection and inflammation of your uterus, ovaries, or Fallopian tubes. This might be another cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding.

There are several other less common causes, which may result in abnormal vaginal bleeding. They include the following:

1. An object present or inserted in the vagina
2. Sexual abuse
3. Uterine fibroids, which cause abnormally heavy periods
4. Several structural problems like polyps and urethral prolapse
5. Occurrence of cancer in your uterus, ovaries, vagina, or cervix
6. Intense mental or emotional stress, and exercising in excess
7. Several other health conditions and diseases such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism

It is important for you to consult a doctor on experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding. It is very important to diagnose the condition properly and start with management measures at the earliest. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!