What symptom might indicate a significant soft-tissue injury?

Persistent or severe pain is a strong indicator of a significant soft-tissue injury. When soft tissues such as muscles, ligaments, and tendons are damaged, the body typically responds with heightened pain levels that can persist and even intensify over time. This is due to inflammation, which occurs as the body attempts to heal the injured area. Additionally, severe pain may suggest more serious underlying issues, such as a tear or rupture, rather than just a minor strain or sprain.

In contrast, occasional discomfort might indicate a minor injury that may not require extensive medical attention. Minimal swelling can often accompany trivial injuries and is not a definitive sign of severity, while fatigue is a less specific symptom that could be linked to a variety of other conditions not directly related to the extent of a soft-tissue injury. Therefore, persistent or severe pain becomes a key marker for assessing the seriousness of the injury.