Which symptom is more typical of soft tissue injuries?

• A. Swelling and bruising with tenderness
• B. Deformity
• C. Crepitus
• D. Inability to bear weight

Answer: (A)

Soft tissue injuries involve damage to muscles, ligaments or tendons, which triggers inflammation and bleeding within the tissue. This usually causes swelling as fluid builds up, bruising from small vessel damage, and tenderness when the area is touched or moved. These signs are the most typical indicators of soft tissue injury, reflecting the tissue damage rather than bone injury. Deformity points more toward a fracture or dislocation, crepitus suggests bone fragments or air in tissues, and while an inability to bear weight can occur with severe injuries, it is not as characteristic of soft tissue damage. So swelling and bruising with tenderness best match the usual presentation of soft tissue injuries.