Symptoms of a torn muscle fiber on the forearm | Torn muscle fibre of the forearm

Symptoms of a torn muscle fiber on the forearm

In the case of a torn muscle fiber, severe pain in the forearm occurs immediately after the event. These can be felt both under stress and at rest. Every movement of the affected muscle increases the pain.

The affected person adopts a gentle position of the arm in which the pain is at its lowest. Furthermore, a loss of muscular strength is one of the typical symptoms. The affected area can be swollen if, in addition to the muscle fibers, small blood vessels are torn and cause bruising in the muscle. Depending on where this bruise forms, it may also be visible under the skin.

Diagnosis of a torn muscle fiber on the forearm

The diagnosis of a torn muscle fibre on the forearm is made by the doctor after a detailed questioning of the patient regarding the specific symptoms and a subsequent physical examination. During this examination, he checks the appearance and function of the forearm. The doctor pays attention to certain signs, such as swelling or redness, and to the degree of functional impairment. In some cases, an ultrasound examination is also carried out to visualize and assess the exact extent of the tear. If there are still doubts about the diagnosis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be necessary.

Therapy of a torn muscle fiber on the forearm

If a rupture of a muscle fiber is noticed by sudden strong pain after a certain movement, or if there is a suspicion, the activity should be stopped immediately. Immediate cooling and elevation of the forearm can help to suppress the formation of bruises and the associated swelling. In addition, the application of a compression bandage is also helpful.

In order for the muscle to heal properly, it is important to avoid sporting activities and exertion for several weeks, even when the pain has subsided. If the pain does not subside or has not subsided after a few days, a doctor should always be consulted.This can identify the exact extent of the tear and distinguish a muscle fiber tear from a complete muscle tear. In addition to cooling and sparing, the doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication if the pain is very severe.

Usually ibuprofen or diclofenac are used, which can be taken in tablet form. In any case, however, the forearm must be spared until the pain has disappeared. Then slight movements and light weight bearing can be started, provided that this no longer causes pain.

As a rule, sports activities can be resumed without pain after about three to four weeks. In addition, the doctor may prescribe electrotherapy or massages. If more than 75% of the muscle fibers of a muscle are torn, in some cases surgical treatment is necessary, in which the muscle is sutured.

This is also the case with very severe bruising. The arm is then immobilized for about 4 weeks. After a torn muscle fiber of the forearm, a kinesiotape can also be applied to support the muscles and promote the healing process.

On the one hand, the tape serves to stimulate the blood circulation in the affected area and thus contributes to a faster regeneration of the muscle fibers. On the other hand, it should be applied in such a way that exactly those movements of the forearm are supported in which the affected muscle fibers are involved. Despite the application of a tape, the torn muscle fiber must first be healed before sports activities and other strains on the forearm can be fully resumed.