Symptoms on the arm

A torn muscle fibre in the arm can cause various symptoms. These are significantly influenced by which muscle or muscle group is affected. The arm can be roughly divided into upper and lower arm.

General symptoms that occur with every torn muscle fiber are severe pain, a kind of “dent” in the affected muscle, loss of strength, and a bruise at the affected area. The severity of the symptoms is influenced by the severity of the rupture. The upper arm consists of three muscles, in addition to the humerus.

The respective muscles are responsible for the flexion or extension of the arm as well as the internal rotation of the elbow joint. All three muscles can suffer a rupture of the muscle fiber and this can cause massive pain. Depending on the affected muscle and the severity of the torn muscle fibre (see above), the respective movements are only possible with restrictions or with pain.

On the forearm, 19 muscles can be affected by a torn muscle fiber and thus cause very different symptoms. The muscles of the forearm are responsible for the extension and flexion of the wrist and fingers. Depending on the affected muscle and the severity of the rupture, one of these movement sequences may be disrupted or may only be performed in pain.

Symptoms on the shoulder

The shoulder consists of a number of muscles, all of which can tear the muscle fibers. The muscles of the rotator cuff are the most frequently affected by a torn muscle fibre at the shoulder.This term covers four muscles of the shoulder, which are mainly responsible for movement in the shoulder joint. Other muscles that are responsible for the movements of the shoulder can also suffer a rupture of muscle fibers.

Sudden movements of the shoulder with heavy weight (such as carrying heavy objects) or certain sports (such as tennis) can cause a torn muscle fiber in the shoulder area. Typical symptoms are a strong, stabbing pain in the shoulder as well as a “dent” combined with bruising, a considerable loss of strength or the inability to move the shoulder. Depending on the muscle affected, these can be different movements. An orthopedist can diagnose which muscle is affected during a physical examination or with the help of an imaging procedure. In addition to sparing, a therapy using kinesiotapes can also support healing by relieving the muscles.