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1. Pain
o Can be sharp, dull, throbbing, or burning depending on the type of injury.
o May be localized to a specific area or radiate to surrounding structures.
o Worsens with movement in fractures, sprains, or ligament tears.
o Chronic pain may indicate degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis.
2. Swelling (Edema)
o Caused by inflammation, tissue damage, or fluid accumulation.
o Acute swelling often accompanies fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries.
o Persistent swelling may indicate chronic conditions or impaired circulation.
3. Deformity
o Visible malalignment or abnormal positioning of a limb suggests fractures,
dislocations, or severe ligament injuries.
o Comparison with the uninjured side helps in detecting subtle deformities.
4. Bruising (Ecchymosis)
o Results from bleeding into soft tissues following trauma.
o Color changes (red to purple, then yellow-green) help determine injury timing.
o Large, spreading bruises may indicate internal bleeding or severe trauma.
5. Restricted Range of Motion (ROM)
o Joint stiffness, locking, or inability to move a limb fully.
o Common in joint injuries, ligament tears, and degenerative joint disease.
o Assessing both active and passive ROM provides insight into injury severity.
6. Crepitus
o A crackling or grinding sensation felt during movement.
o Often associated with fractures, cartilage damage, or joint instability.
o May indicate bone fragments or degenerative joint disease.
7. Neurological Symptoms
o Numbness and Tingling: Suggests nerve compression or irritation (e.g., carpal
tunnel syndrome, herniated disc).
o Muscle Weakness: May indicate nerve damage or muscle injury.
o Loss of Sensation or Reflexes: Requires immediate attention as it may indicate
spinal cord involvement.
8. Circulatory Compromise
o Pale, Cold Extremities: Suggests impaired blood flow due to vascular injury or
compartment syndrome.
o Delayed Capillary Refill: Indicates possible arterial insufficiency.
o Absent or Weak Pulses: May indicate severe vascular compromise requiring
urgent intervention.

Differentiating Acute vs. Chronic Symptoms

• Acute Injuries: Result from sudden trauma (e.g., fractures, sprains, dislocations) and are
characterized by immediate pain, swelling, and functional impairment.
• Chronic Conditions: Develop over time due to overuse, degenerative changes, or
untreated injuries (e.g., tendinitis, osteoarthritis). Symptoms are often intermittent and
progressively worsen.