Introduction to soft-tissue limb conditions

This topic mainly focuses on the acute (first 24 to 48 hours) and subacute (after 48 hours) management for soft-tissue limb conditions. It does not address systemic inflammatory conditions or serious pathology such as tumours and infection (except acute dactylitis).

In the clinical assessment of any soft-tissue limb condition, consider and exclude features that suggest an underlying systemic inflammatory disease or other serious pathology. See the topics on clinical assessment of musculoskeletal symptoms in adults or children and adolescents for more information.

Soft-tissue limb conditions can be broadly grouped by the affected tissue. Management principles are outlined for the following soft-tissue limb conditions:

Muscle sprain, ligament strain and complete tendon tears usually result from trauma. Degenerative microtears are associated with tendinopathy and are less frequently related to trauma; however, a degenerative or traumatic partial tear can progress to become a complete tear.

The diagnosis and management of the following specific limb conditions are also discussed in separate topics:

subacromial pain syndrome
adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
lateral and medial epicondylar tendinopathies (tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow respectively)
de Quervain tenosynovitis
carpal tunnel syndrome
flexor tenosynovitis and trigger finger
hip-joint conditions
greater trochanteric pain syndrome
acute knee injuries
degenerative meniscal tears
patellofemoral pain syndrome
prepatellar bursitis
chronic exertional compartment syndrome
medial tibial stress syndrome
complete Achilles tendon tear
plantar fasciitis.

There are many musculoskeletal conditions common in children and adolescents; some of these conditions are important mimics of juvenile inflammatory arthritis (JIA). The diagnosis and management of these conditions are discussed in the separate topics:

For more information about these conditions, see the separate topics.