Soft tissue inflammation: treatment and symptoms. Inflammatory diseases of soft tissues, bones and joints

Soft tissue edema is a pathological condition characterized by a gradual accumulation of fluid in the intercellular space. It occurs due to a violation of the lymphatic flow due to blockage of the lymphatic tract. Treatment of soft tissue edema, regardless of their localization, requires an integrated approach and should be carried out under the supervision of the attending physician.

What is lymphedema?

Regular swelling may indicate various serious disorders in the body. Lymphedema is manifested by increasing swelling of the soft tissues due to blockage of the lymphatic capillaries and peripheral vessels. Treatment for swelling depends on the underlying cause.

Lymphedema is classified into primary hereditary and non-systemic. It develops as a result of congenital pathologies of the lymphatic system. Progresses during pregnancy, after trauma. Most often, the distal leg, foot, and hand are affected.

Secondary, acquired. Violation of the outflow of lymph may be associated with the development of an inflammatory process in soft tissues in injuries of the limbs, head, neck, face, nose.

They also note a chronic form of lymphedema, which can recur throughout life under the influence of adverse factors. Chronic swelling implies a complex and long-term treatment.

Causes of Lymphedema

In the pathogenesis of the development of edematous syndrome, a violation of gas exchange, systemic hemodynamics and lymphodynamics, an increase in the permeability of cell membranes and blood vessels, and damage to the vascular endothelium are essential.

Causes of puffiness:

• diseases of the cardiovascular, endocrine, lymphatic system;
• disorders in the work of the kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• infectious and inflammatory processes in tissues, joints, bone structures;
• hereditary predisposition.

Puffiness can occur due to long-term use of nonsteroidal, hormonal drugs. Edema has a soft texture, most often appear in the morning in the face, hands, neck, eyelids, below the knee.

Soft tissue injuries

Puffiness of soft tissues can be caused by mechanical damage that is not accompanied by a violation of the integrity of the epidermis. Bruises, sprains lead to impaired lymph flow, increased permeability, rupture of blood vessels. The combination of these factors is the main reason why post-traumatic edema occurs.

Symptoms of soft tissue swelling most often appear gradually. The severity of symptoms depends on the strength, nature of tissue damage. Post-traumatic edema develops 2-3 days after injury. The nutrition of cellular structures is disrupted, the tissues in the affected area are inflamed. Swelling after a bruise is most pronounced in tissues rich in fiber, for example, on the face, the surface of the foot.

Injuries to the soft tissues of the extremities of the face, head, neck, and other parts of the body can be caused by a blow with blunt objects, falls from a height, work-related injuries (pressure, heavy objects falling on the arms and legs).

Direct tissue injuries without violating their integrity lead to rupture of subcutaneous fat structures, collagen fibers, formation of hematomas, damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments.

Post-traumatic swelling of tissues can be triggered by dislocations, fractures, sprains. For example, a fracture of the leg, arm, is always accompanied by damage, severe swelling of the soft tissues. Bruises and hematomas form in the tissues. The legs swell very much after a dislocation of the knee, a fracture of the ankle, a foot injury.

In the first hours after injury, treatment should be aimed at reducing pain, eliminating inflammation, and reducing blood flow to the lesions.

You can remove post-traumatic edema with the help of cold compresses applied to the lesion site. Assign vasoconstrictor, symptomatic, anti-inflammatory drugs.

After the elimination of inflammation, treatment is prescribed aimed at accelerating the outflow of infiltrate from the tissues: UHF, lymphatic drainage, thermal procedures.

Postoperative edema

Postoperative tissue edema is a common occurrence after surgical interventions that have caused inflammatory processes. Postoperative soft tissue swelling causes lymphatic congestion. The degree of swelling depends on the individual characteristics of the body.

After the operation, if the capillaries and vessels are damaged, the outflow of fluid from the intercellular space is disturbed. Postoperative edema develops 2-4 days after surgery.

To relieve postoperative edema, lymphatic drainage, compression stockings, a therapeutic diet, drug therapy, and alternative medicine are prescribed.

If the postoperative period occurs without complications, the patient follows the recommendations prescribed by the attending physician, soft tissue edema subsides on the fifth to seventh day. In some cases, postoperative swelling subsides after two to three weeks. Treatment should take place only under the supervision of the attending physician.

Swelling of the soft tissues of one leg, both limbs is caused by a violation of the venous, lymphatic outflow, an increase in the permeability of capillaries, a violation of the processes of binding fluid to blood proteins. The cause of edema of the extremities are fractures of the leg, arm, dislocation, severe bruising of the knee, sprain, rupture of ligaments, tendons.

Swelling of the leg below the knee is caused by general and local unfavorable causes that trigger the mechanism of edema formation. Severe swelling of the tissues of the leg develops with bursitis, arthritis. Reddening of the skin, pain syndrome with intense bending of the knee are noted.

Swelling of the ankle

Depending on the causes, swelling of the foot can be episodic or chronic. Foot edema most often develops against the background of heart failure, kidney and liver diseases. The obvious causes of the pathology include injuries received with a direct blow to the foot, fractures.

Sprains, ruptures of ligaments, tendons, dislocations, displacements are also a fairly common cause of swelling of the ankle joint. Puffiness can occur as a result of subluxation of the foot, with fractures of the bones of the digital phalanges, damage to the metatarsal bones of the foot, congenital anatomical anomalies, arthritis, arthrosis, bursitis.

Swelling of the foot is accompanied by severe pain symptoms, discomfort, which is caused by an increase in pressure on the ankle joint, and the development of inflammation. Treatment for foot swelling depends on the underlying cause.

Swelling of the soft tissues of the knee

Swelling of the knee manifests itself when the patella is displaced, bruised, after surgical operations. After an injury, a spasm appears in the ligaments, muscle structures, tissues surrounding the knee joint, which prevents normal lymph and blood flow. In the interstitial space, fluid accumulates, which is the cause of swelling. Swelling of the knee occurs immediately after an injury or manifests itself after a while.

With a severe bruise, the skin in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe sore knee swells, turns red. Any movement is accompanied by pain, discomfort. The pain is localized in the area of ​​action of the mechanical factor.

The intensity of the pain syndrome is proportional to the force of the blow, the area of ​​the lesion. Gradually, pain sensations decrease, tissue factors are activated. Swelling of the knee is accompanied by an inflammatory process. The tissues are impregnated with lymph, inflammatory infiltrate, post-traumatic soft tissue edema is formed.

Treatment of swelling of the knee includes the use of cold lotions, decongestant ointments.

Swelling of the hand can be caused by damage, systemic diseases, pathologies of the lymphatic system. Swelling of the hand in women can occur after removal of the mammary gland, during pregnancy. Often, swelling of the hands occurs along with swelling of the lower extremities. This pathology can be a complication of a purulent-inflammatory disease of the hand, occur with fractures, injuries of the phalanges of the fingers.

Edema of the soft tissues of the upper extremities is manifested by swelling of the arm, an increase in regional lymph nodes, malaise, and fever. Symptoms depend on the cause that led to the accumulation of excess fluid.

Treatment of edema of the extremities is aimed at restoring blood circulation. Patients are prescribed anti-inflammatory therapeutic ointments, diuretics, prescribed exercise therapy, massage, physiotherapy.

swelling of the face

Injuries of the nose, neck, head, accompanied by damage, swelling of the soft tissues, damage to the subcutaneous tissue are among the most common injuries in the face. Occur when struck with blunt objects, falling from a height.

Injuries of the nose, neck, head are most often diagnosed in children and athletes. Puffiness of the face can occur due to excessive alcohol consumption, disturbances in the functioning of the stools.

Head injuries often cause swelling of the nasal mucosa, soft tissues of the face, which leads to difficulty in nasal breathing. Bruising of the nose is accompanied by bleeding, hematoma of the nasal septum.

A cold compress, vasoconstrictor drugs will help relieve swelling of facial tissues after injury to the nose, head. For head injuries, patients are prescribed bed rest, physiotherapy.

Swelling of the neck

Swelling of the neck is noted with an increase in lymph nodes, infectious, viral diseases that affect the upper respiratory tract.

Bilateral swelling of the neck is diagnosed with colds. The development of lymphangioma is indicated by swelling localized in the lower part of the neck. Hard swelling on the sides of the neck occurs with a disease of the upper respiratory tract, inflammation of the nasal mucosa.

Neck swelling can be caused by allergens. The most severe cases of neck edema have an allergic nature of origin - Quincke's edema.

The rapidly growing allergic swelling of the neck leads to a violation of the respiratory processes, requires immediate treatment.

Timely treatment of edema gives good results. Pain symptoms disappear, swelling resolves, organ functions are restored.

Pain in soft tissues can disturb the patient for many reasons. First of all, it is necessary to exclude injuries, as a result of which subcutaneous hematomas formed. When they are formed, the surrounding tissues are squeezed and pain develops. As the blood accumulated in them is absorbed, the autogenous process of inflammation begins, which is also accompanied by extremely unpleasant sensations.

Very often, pain in soft tissues is accompanied by very serious pathological changes in large and small joints, the spine. So, pain in the soft tissues of the back is almost always associated with neuralgia against the background of compression of the radicular nerve in the spinal column. If timely treatment is not carried out, then serious complications are possible, up to paresis and paralysis of a persistent nature.

We offer you to find out all the necessary information about diseases in which soft tissues hurt and how to properly treat them.

Pain in the soft tissues of the neck

If the soft tissues of the neck hurt, then two diseases are excluded first of all: myositis and osteochondrosis. In the first case, there are signs of an inflammatory reaction (reddening of the skin, local fever, etc.), with osteochondrosis, the symptoms are completely different.

Severe pain in the soft tissues of the thigh is also often associated with damage to the hip joint or lumbosacral spine. A correct diagnosis and timely treatment eliminate the risk of progression of cartilage tissue destruction. With infringement of the sciatic nerve, soreness may be accompanied by a decrease in skin sensitivity. The pain in this pathology spreads along the strip type inside or outside the thigh.

Severe pain in the soft tissues of the knee can be triggered by the development of post-traumatic inflammatory processes, such as bursitis, tendovaginitis, sprains and ruptures of the ligamentous apparatus. If injuries are excluded, then it is necessary to diagnose organic lesions of cartilage and bone tissue. With the help of manual therapy, almost all types of gonarthrosis (arthrosis of the knee joint) can be successfully treated. But this must be done in a timely manner. With the 3rd stage of the disease, only a surgical operation to replace the joint can already help.

In case of pain in the soft tissues of the foot, physical activity should be excluded, a tight bandage should be applied and a specialist should be consulted as soon as possible. Ankle sprains and hallux valgus are now very common. But it is necessary to carry out differential diagnostics with tendovaginitis, heel spurs and a number of other pathologies.

Why do the soft tissues of the hand hurt?

It is impossible to answer in absentia the question of why the soft tissues of the hand hurt, since a similar symptom can accompany many diseases. At a young age, among representatives of office professions, carpal and carpal tunnel syndrome is currently common. With these pathologies, the nerve fiber is affected, which is accompanied by a severe pain syndrome that spreads along the forearm and shoulder.

In addition, the patient can be diagnosed with tendovaginitis, epicondylitis, arthrosis and arthritis. Without the help of a doctor, it is impossible to diagnose a particular disease, since in most cases the symptoms will be the same. However, there are specific signs, diagnostic tests that allow you to establish the correct preliminary diagnosis.

Therefore, do not engage in self-diagnosis. Contact our manual therapy clinic for an initial free consultation, and you will know for sure what kind of ailment causes discomfort in the soft tissues of the upper extremities.

What is dangerous pain in the soft tissues of the hand?

Do not think that the use of anesthetic ointments has a therapeutic effect. Yes, they will help eliminate pain in the soft tissues of the hand. But this is a temporary effect. Meanwhile, the development of the disease will continue. The gradual destruction of cartilage, and then bone tissue, will continue for a long time. Unfortunately, this will lead to the fact that it will be impossible to cure pathologies without surgical intervention.

The first thing that pains in the soft tissues of the arm are dangerous for is the destruction of the nerve fiber. Subsequently, innervation may not be restored. Paralysis and paresis of the upper limbs are common complications. Do not delay treatment. Contact your doctor in a timely manner.

Trauma has always occupied and will continue to occupy one of the leading positions in the specialty of general practitioners. T ravmas of this type are most common in men aged 20 to 50 years, in women from 30 to 60 years.

The nature of injuries in half of the cases is represented by dislocations, sprains, injuries of the capsular-ligamentous apparatus, fractures of the bones of the legs and arms, injuries of tendons and muscles.

Any injury is accompanied by the launch of an inflammatory reaction of a non-specific type. This is the so-called reactive inflammation. It arises in connection with the body's attempts to adapt to new living conditions and as a defensive reaction. Inflammation is manifested by classic symptoms of edema, pain, dysfunction, hyperemia of the skin over the process.

In order to quickly help a person, the first thing to do is to stop the pain, and the analgesic effect of drugs should be not only fast, but also persistent. It is especially important to reduce the manifestations of pain in the post-traumatic and postoperative periods.

To qualitatively get rid of pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used, which, in addition to anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects. These drugs inhibit cyclooxygenase-2, which is responsible for the release of pro-inflammatory mediators.

The choice of drug should be guided by safety and efficacy. It is dangerous to take NSAIDs for a long time, since their adverse effect on the gastrointestinal tract can lead to the formation of ulcers on the mucous membrane. Such side effects mainly occur with the use of non-selective inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 (acetylsalicylic acid, diclofenac). That is why selective inhibitors (ketoprofen, nimesulide) are used.

One of the fundamental points in the treatment of inflammatory phenomena of NSAIDs is the speed of achieving an analgesic effect, since in the traumatic process the speed of pain relief is very important. Means that have better bioavailability and have a quick analgesic effect are preferable to use in emergency conditions. They also require rapid relief of pain and conditions with soft tissue inflammation, as well as damage to the musculoskeletal system.

Benefits of Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors

1. The risk of developing ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract is significantly reduced;
2. No negative impact on cartilage matrix synthesis;
3. These drugs can be taken for a long time.

Features of action and indications for the use of nimesulide

One of the selective COX-2 inhibitors is nimesulide, the bioavailability of which is so high in the body that after 30 minutes of ingestion, its concentration in the blood reaches 25% of the maximum. Anesthesia in full comes after 1-3 hours. A stable concentration in the patient's body is maintained for 1-2 days, subject to daily intake rectally or orally 2 times a day.

Quite often, side effects can be observed when using systemic NSAIDs. An alternative method was the topical application of these drugs.

The local action of nimesulide was investigated and it turned out that the drug penetrates the skin and reaches the target in a dosage that can have an active pharmacological effect. Thus, the stiffness of the joints is reduced, the functioning of the joints is improved.

The penetration of the drug into the skin and deeper depends on lipophilicity, that is, the ability to dissolve in fats, the moisture content of the stratum corneum of the epidermis, and the state of the protective function of the skin. The effect of nimesulide will be achieved the faster, the higher the concentration of the active substance in the preparation.

Compared to ointments, gel forms are considered the best, because they have a lower pH, do not lead to clogging of skin pores, and are distributed quickly and evenly. The drug practically does not enter the bloodstream. It is mainly distributed in the tissues around the joint. All this reduces the likelihood of any adverse events.

There have been many studies on the effectiveness of topical NSAIDs. Encouraging data have been received. Nimesulide gel was much more effective than ointment in the acute phase of arthritis. The therapeutic effect at the same time came much faster.

In a comparative study of diclofenac and nimesulide for the comparability of their analgesic effects, it was found that the effectiveness and speed of pain relief in both cases were almost the same. Achieving analgesic effect was observed within half an hour, and its duration was an average of 4-6 hours. The treatment did not cause any side effects. Also, the effectiveness of local NSAIDs was much higher than placebo.

However, it is not always possible to use local preparations. For example, with a spinal injury, significant pain relief cannot be achieved. In this case, to use parenterally nimesulide, indications there are clear ones.

In acute inflammation of the shoulder joint, oral administration of nimesulide has shown significant efficacy. In studies of nimesulide and diclofenac as painkillers for this pathology, it was determined that 100 mg of nimesulide is much more effective than 75 mg while maintaining safety in use. Wherein price of nimesulide not higher than the price of diclofenac.

The use of nimesulide is also well tolerated by children from 7 to 14 years old, which has been proven after studies.

Help with sports injury

This type of injury is very common. In a sports injury, the integrity of the bones is not always damaged, and surgery or immobilization for a long time is not always necessary. However, injuries worsen the quality of life, it becomes difficult to move, so you need to qualitatively anesthetize, relieve swelling and return the damaged limb to active life in a short time.

Soft tissue inflammation is the most common complication after implant placement. Inflammation of soft tissues is divided into: peri-implantitis and mucositis. In their manifestations, both diseases resemble inflammatory diseases of the soft tissues around the teeth, such as: gingivitis and periodontitis. Due to the peculiarities of the structure of soft tissues, reimplantitis and mucositis differ in the course of the disease.

1. Peri-implantitis is an inflammation of the soft tissues around the implant, characterized by a gradual loss of bone tissue.
2. Mucositis is an inflammation of the mucosa around the implant without signs of bone loss.

The causes of peri-implantitis and mucositis are:

• Refusal of the patient from preliminary bone augmentation in case of its insufficient volume at the site of implant installation;
• The patient has various concomitant diseases - from osteoporosis to weakened immunity;
• Tobacco abuse, non-compliance with thorough oral hygiene and a gentle regimen of loads on the implant;
• Such a habit as grinding teeth also prevents wound healing and high-quality implantation of the implant in the jaw;
• Incorrect determination of the tactics of implantation and subsequent prosthetics, incorrect choice of implant design.

Inflammation in soft tissues in peri-implantitis

Inflammation in the soft tissues with peri-implantitis is more severe and is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Swelling, redness of the gums;
• Pain in the area of ​​the implant;
• Bleeding gums;
• Purulent departments;
• Bad breath;
• Formation of a pocket between the gum and the implant;
• Implant mobility.

As the peri-implantitis develops, the severity of the course of the disease increases. Pain, swelling of the gums increase. X-ray examination will help to assess the degree of development of the inflammatory process. Therefore, if you have implants and there are signs of gum disease in the area of ​​the implant, you should not neglect this. In order to prescribe adequate treatment, it is necessary see a doctor immediately.

Features of soft tissue inflammation in mucositis

Inflammatory diseases of soft tissues in mucositis are characterized by the following manifestations:

• Swelling, redness, bleeding gums;
• Local painful condition of the gums;
• Bad breath;
• Malaise, increased body temperature, lymph nodes;
• Pain from hot or cold.

In this article, we will consider the inflammatory processes of soft tissues, as well as the symptoms by which the pathological condition can be determined. Before you go to the hospital, you must familiarize yourself with at least the theoretical part of the inflammatory process that occurs in your body in order to be a full participant in medical therapy.

Symptoms of soft tissue inflammation

Consider the clinical picture of inflammation of soft tissues in humans. As a rule, the manifestations of any inflammation on the skin are identical or have a lot of similar symptoms.

Initially, a person feels pain in a certain area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin (on the one that is subject to the inflammatory process). Also, over the course of several hours or days, the site of inflammation begins to swell very much, the body temperature rises, and local hyperthermia begins.

If the inflammatory process is purulent, then the tissues begin to not only become inflamed, but also gradually die off. In a person with such an inflammatory lesion, the temperature begins to rise, fever may appear. That is, all the symptoms indicate that intoxication of the body has occurred.

The reason is the infection of the body, as a result of which an inflammatory process develops throughout the body. Inflammatory processes on the face of a person are extremely difficult. In some way, they are really dangerous to human life and health. In case of damage to the soft tissues of the face, you need to urgently contact a medical institution - do not delay with this! Be prepared for the fact that large purulent inflammatory foci begin to open spontaneously. It is forbidden to remove pus on your own without consulting a doctor!

Classification of symptoms of inflammation

All symptoms of the inflammatory process of soft tissues are classified as follows:

• Inflammatory processes;
• pain;
• Penetration of toxins into the body;
• Lymphostasis;
• Violation of metabolism in the body;
• Formation of trophic ulcers.

Also, there are several types of inflammatory processes of soft tissues. If we talk about the medical group of soft tissues, then it includes such as:

• The formation of boils- This is an inflammation of the soft tissues, which is characterized by the formation of an accumulation of pus. Then, necrotic tissue damage begins around the hair follicle, as well as around all the connective tissue that surrounds the pimple.
• Furunculosis- This is the second form of the inflammatory process, which already belongs to chronic diseases. Furunculosis progresses very quickly in soft tissues. On the skin of the face or body, the appearance of multiple boils begins. That is, at various stages of furunculosis, large or smaller pimples are distinguished.
• Carbuncle- This is an acute process of damage to the hair follicles, as well as the sebaceous glands. Moreover, the carbuncle affects not only the skin (epithelium), but also the subcutaneous tissue.
• Abscess- in a certain interval of the skin, it accumulates in large quantities on the skin, as well as in the internal organs.
• Bursitis- This is another inflammatory process that mainly affects the synovial bags in the human body. Pus accumulates in synovial bags, that is, exudate.
• Mastitis- inflammation of the mammary glands.
• Panaritsia- This is an inflammatory process that affects the soft tissues of the limbs, that is, the fingers. But, panaritium can affect not only fingers, but also human joints, bone tissue.
• paraproctitis- inflammation of the soft tissues of the rectum.
• Hydradenitis- inflammation of the soft tissues of the sweat glands.
• Lymphadenitis- the process of inflammation of the lymph nodes.

Causes of the inflammatory process of soft tissues

The main cause of soft tissue inflammation is the penetration of bacteria and infections in the body. As a rule, these are staphylococci. Very rarely, the lesion occurs with Escherichia coli, as well as various anaerobic infections.

The spread of infection throughout the body occurs with the help of scratching, as well as violations of sanitation rules.

Stages of inflammation at different stages of pathology

As with any disease, all inflammatory processes can be divided into several main stages of the pathology.

In the first stage, a person does not feel any symptoms. Initially, circulatory disorders begin at the site of inflammation, then soft tissues are completely affected. Capillaries may decrease during the inflammatory process. Muscles in this place begin to gradually decrease and hypertrophy.

In the absence of treatment at the first stage of the disease, the disease quickly passes into the second stage. In the second stage, all tissues at the site of inflammation swell, pain appears. Under the inflamed tissue, exudate begins to accumulate, that is, liquid (there is so much of it that the tissues swell).

You should not take painkillers at this stage in order to get rid of the pain syndrome. It is necessary to contact the doctors and find the cause of the disease.

In the third stage of the disease, tissue suppuration may begin.

Treatment of soft tissue inflammation

The treatment of the inflammatory process consists, first of all, in anti-inflammatory therapy, antibiotic therapy, and it is also necessary to strengthen the immune system. If the chosen direction of treatment does not give a positive result, then without fail, it will be necessary to apply surgical intervention.

The nature of the disease is greatly facilitated if the focus of inflammation spontaneously opens. But, absolutely at any stage of inflammation, it is necessary to disinfect these foci of inflammation.

So, let's highlight several methods of therapy:

• Bactericidal treatment, that is, the use of antibacterial drugs;
• Medicines that relieve inflammation - UHF therapy, the use of electrophoresis using a solution of calcium chloride;
• Stimulation of immunity;
• Intensive therapy;
• Irradiation;
• Regenerative methods;
• Anesthetic methods;
• infrared irradiation.