Thigh front

A torn muscle fibre in the thigh occurs very frequently during contact sports such as soccer, basketball or handball. Those affected usually notice the injury through an acute shooting pain in the affected area, which is felt as very stabbing and strong. In most cases, the movement has to be interrupted and one can only move around with a limp.

First aid measures are to support the leg and cool the area. The torn muscle fibre is accompanied by a significant loss of strength in the damaged muscle. In the case of a torn muscle fibre in the thigh, the leg is only able to bear weight to a limited extent and in pain and reacts sensitively to pressure or stretching.

In severe cases, where entire bundles of fibers are affected, the leg may also suffer permanent functional disorders. Since it is important for the success of treatment that the leg is not excessively strained, only movements that do not cause pain should be performed. In principle, however, it is important to continue the movement as far as possible after a 3-5 day break to keep the muscle mobile. Affected persons are usually fully able to exercise again after 3-6 weeks.

Thigh back

A torn muscle fibre at the back of the thigh is favoured by jerky twisting movements and sports where the knee is constantly in motion. A more pronounced musculature on the front of the thigh can also lead to imbalances and promote injury to the back of the thigh. On the back of our thighs there are two large muscle strands that lead from the buttocks to the inner side (musculus semimembranosus and semitendinosus) and to the outer side (musculus biceps femoris) of the knee.

If the muscle fibres of these muscle groups are injured by unfavourable movement or overloading during sport, this also immediately leads to severe stabbing pain in the rear thigh. In addition to the pain, the injury to the blood vessels also causes effusions in the rear part of the thigh.A torn muscle fiber can easily be distinguished from a bruise, as the bruise is more reddish and not clearly defined. Often, after a torn muscle fiber in the back of the thigh, the affected person is no longer able to perform painlessly.

Here again, the PECH rule applies and in more serious cases a doctor should be consulted. After a few days of rest, the load can be slowly resumed, provided it is painless. Complete resilience is achieved after about 3-6 weeks, depending on the patient.