• Tears, sprains, contusions
• Skin abrasions, lacerations, blisters
• Inflammatory response

Tears, Sprains, Contusions

• Tears
  • Occurs due to stretching of tissues over the limit.
  • The recovery process begins from 24hrs of the injury and can last even up to 6 months.
• Sprains
  • Results from overstretching or tearing a ligament.
  • If the ligament is torn, joint stability is disrupted.
  • Sprains can cause pain, swelling and immobilisation causing the inability to perform even the common joint movements.
  • The healing process of sprain is slow since ligaments have poor blood supply.
• Contusions
  • Rupture of blood capillaries from bruises experienced during a direct contact.
  • Can be superficial (close to the skin) or extend till the bones.
  • Blood flow is obstructed in surrounding tissue, leading to the formation of a hematoma (pool of blood exterior to the blood vessels).
  • Blood clots are formed in the connective tissue membrane.

Skin Abrasions, Lacerations, Blisters

• Skin abrasions
  • Scraping of skin due to falling on a dry, hard surface.
  • Pain is experienced, along with shallow bleeding.
  • The wound is cleaned and sterilized with antiseptics to prevent infections.
• Lacerations
  • A deep cut on the skin by sharp objects, the skin doesn’t scrape off unlike skin abrasions.
  • First aid can be applied if the wound is shorter than 1cm. Referral is required for larger and deeper cuts.
  • Bleeding needs to be stopped first by applying pressure. The wound is cleaned and covered to avoid infections.
• Blisters
  • Pockets filled with fluid (lymph, serum, plasma, blood or pus) below or within the epidermal layer of the skin, can be intensely painful.
  • Causes include friction, burning, freezing, chemical exposure or infection.
  • Blisters should be washed and dressed with antiseptic. Donut bandages are applied.

Inflammatory Response

• Inflammation
  • Redness, pain and swelling.
  • Loss of mobility.
  • Blood vessels are formed to begin and promote healing.
• Repair, regeneration
  • Pathogens and debris are eliminated.
  • New fibres are formed, scar tissue production is triggered.
  • Usually takes 3-6 weeks.
• Remodelling
  • Scar tissue production is multiplied.
  • Disfigured collagen fibres are remodelled, the wound fully closes.
  • Cells functioning in repair but can now retire are removed by apoptosis.
  • Process lasts from 6 weeks – months.