Everyone has had minor bone, muscle, or joint injuries at one time or another. Most of the time our body movements do not cause problems, but it's not surprising that symptoms develop from everyday wear and tear, overuse, or injury. Bone, muscle, or joint injuries most commonly occur during sports or recreational activities, work-related tasks, or doing projects around the home.

In children, most bone, muscle, or joint injuries occur during sports or play or accidental falls. The risk for injury is higher in contact sports. Wrists, hands, knees, ankles, and feet are the most commonly affected body areas. Any injury occurring at the end of a long bone near a joint may injure the growth plate and needs to be evaluated.

Older adults are at higher risk for injuries and fractures because they lose muscle mass and bone strength ( osteoporosis ) as they age.

Most minor injuries will heal on their own and home treatment is usually all that is needed to relieve symptoms and promote healing.

Acute (sudden) injury

An acute injury may occur from a direct blow, a penetrating injury, a fall, or from twisting, jerking, jamming, or bending a limb abnormally. Pain may be sudden and severe. Bruising and swelling may develop soon after the injury. Acute injuries include:

• Bruises . See an illustration of a bruise (contusion) .
• Injuries to ligaments .
• Injuries to tendons .
• Injuries to joints ( sprains ).
• Pulled muscles ( strains ).
• Broken bones ( fractures ). See an illustration of an open fracture (compound fracture) .
• Dislocations . See an illustration of a dislocated elbow .

Overuse injuries

Overuse injuries occur when too much stress is placed on a joint or other tissue, often by "overdoing" an activity or repeating the same activity over and over. Overuse injuries include:

• Bursitis and tendinitis .
• Stress fractures . See an illustration of stress fractures of the foot .
• Shin splints .
• Plantar fasciitis .
• Carpal tunnel syndrome .

Seriousness of an injury

An injury is potentially more serious when:

• A limb or a part of a limb is partially or fully amputated .
• Bleeding is severe or persistent.
• The injured limb or joint looks twisted, bent out of shape, or out of its normal position ( dislocated ).
• The skin is cut or punctured at the site of a suspected broken bone (fracture) or over a joint.
• The skin turns pale, white, blue, or cold at or below the injury.
• Numbness or tingling develops at or below the injury.
• Pain , swelling , or bruising persists or becomes severe.
• You are unable to move a limb or joint normally .
• An injured joint (shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, or ankle) feels loose or unstable .
• A snap or pop is felt or heard at the time of a painful injury.
• You have decreased strength or movement of the injured area.
• Signs of infection develop at or near the site of the injury.
• The injury does not appear to be caused by an accident, and you are concerned about possible abuse of a child or vulnerable adult.

Treatment

Treatment for a bone, muscle, or joint injury may include first aid measures; application of a brace, splint, or cast; physical therapy; medication; and in some cases, surgery. Treatment depends on:

• The location, type, and severity of the injury.
• Your age, health condition, and activities (such as work, sports, or hobbies).

Review the Emergencies and Check Your Symptoms sections to determine if and when you need to see a health professional.