What causes swelling in injured tissues?

Swelling in injured tissues primarily occurs due to an increase in tissue volume that results from extra fluid and cellular material accumulating in the area. This swelling, known as edema, is a common response to injury or inflammation. When tissues are injured, the body's inflammatory response is triggered, which leads to increased permeability of the blood vessels. Consequently, plasma and inflammatory cells leak into the surrounding interstitial space, causing fluid to collect and resulting in swelling.

The accumulation of these fluids not only involves plasma but may also include cellular material from dead or damaged cells as the body attempts to repair the injury. This process can be beneficial, as it helps deliver essential nutrients and immune cells to the site of injury, assisting in healing. Thus, understanding this mechanism is crucial in athletic training, as proper management of swelling can significantly affect recovery and rehabilitation timelines.