Torn muscle fiber in the calf | Duration of a torn muscle fiber

Torn muscle fiber in the calf

The calf is a common location for a torn muscle fiber. The length of time it takes for the calf to heal before it can be fully loaded depends on various factors. Firstly, the severity of the torn muscle fiber is of decisive importance.

There are three different degrees of severity, whereby the percentage of torn muscle fibers is decisive for the classification of the individual torn muscle fiber. A slight muscle fiber tear, i.e. type I, can be completely healed after about 2-3 weeks, whereas a severe muscle fiber tear can take more than 6 weeks to heal completely. The duration of the healing process also depends strongly on the acute and follow-up therapy.

It is therefore important to protect the muscle acutely after the rupture and not to put any more strain on it, to cool it, to apply a pressure bandage and to elevate the corresponding muscle. These measures greatly improve the prognosis of a torn muscle fiber. Depending on the therapy and severity, a torn muscle fiber of the calf can be healed after 2 weeks or, in the case of severity III, after 6 weeks with an operation on the calf.

The individual duration of the healing process can, of course, vary, although in the case of a torn calf muscle fiber, the affected persons are usually well able to assess for themselves what strain the muscle can be expected to bear. However, too early loading of the damaged muscle can be associated with a relapse, which is why it is highly advisable to consult the treating physician for advice before loading the muscle fully. The shoulder is one of the most common locations for a torn muscle fibre.

The length of time it takes for a ruptured shoulder muscle fiber to heal depends on the severity of the rupture and the therapy. In general, it is important that the affected shoulder muscle is spared immediately after the injury, i.e. that no more strain is placed on the muscle. In addition, the muscle should be cooled and, if possible, elevated.

A pressure bandage should also be applied. Depending on the severity of the injury, these measures with adequate pain therapy are sufficient for complete healing of the muscle. In these cases, complete healing can take about 2 to 4 weeks.

If many muscle fibers of the affected muscle are torn, it may be necessary to perform surgery on the muscle. It may take more than 6 weeks until the muscle has completely healed and is able to bear weight after the operation. In any case, it is important to spare the muscle completely, whereby a light load a few days after the injury is conducive to healing.

However, the individual duration of the muscle fiber rupture can best be estimated by the treating physician. The doctor should also be consulted when questions arise about the possible load-bearing capacity of the affected muscle, in order to prevent overloading of the shoulder muscle, which can seriously set back the course of therapy.