Synonyms
- Torn muscle
- Torn muscle bundle
- Muscle Strain
A torn muscle fibre is a mostly visible interruption of the muscle structure (sometimes visible and palpable as a dent). The most common cause is maximum stress in insufficiently warmed muscles, as well as disproportionate overstretching. In order to avoid complications and accelerate the healing process, a torn muscle fiber must be treated as soon as possible.
Already at the scene of the accident, correct behavior can help to significantly shorten the time to full recovery. The first rule in case of suspected muscle fiber rupture is the immediate cessation of any physical activity (break). Immediately after the onset of pain, a ruptured muscle fiber should be treated according to the so-called PECH rule.
The initial letters indicate the four most important initial measures to be taken in the presence of a torn muscle fiber. These measures include: 1. pause: a torn muscle fiber must have sufficient time to heal completely. The risk of secondary diseases can only be minimized if the affected extremity is immobilized immediately after the accident.
In the case of a torn muscle fiber of the shoulder, absolute immobilization of the entire arm is recommended. Since a torn muscle fiber is a classic illness of athletic patients, it is absolutely necessary to take a break. 2 Ice: In the course of the rupture of muscle fibers, not only a rupture of muscle fibers occurs.
As a rule, small vessels are also affected. The development of large bruises (haematomas) can be avoided by active cooling immediately after the first pain symptoms appear. This fact can be explained by the fact that the influence of cold on the affected tissue induces a narrowing of the vessels, thus preventing bleeding into the muscle.
In addition, cooling relieves the pain caused by the rupture of the muscle fibre and counteracts the possible formation of oedema. With active cooling, however, it should be noted that the coolant (for example ice) is never in direct contact with the skin surface. Otherwise, frostbite and tissue damage may occur.
For this reason, a carpet pad (cloth or similar) should be positioned between the coolant and the skin surface and a break of several minutes should be observed between individual cooling units. 3rd Compression (Compression): In addition to the movement pause and the active cooling of the affected muscle, the compression exerted from outside also plays a decisive role in positively influencing the healing process of the torn muscle fiber. Applying pressure to the affected limb in combination with immobilization (pause) and active cooling is intended to prevent bleeding into the muscle mass and thus prevent possible scarring.
Broad compression bandages are particularly suitable for this purpose, as they also have a stabilizing effect on the injured muscle. When applying the compression bandage, however, care must be taken to avoid constriction of vessels or nerves. 4. elevation: elevating the affected limb (arm or leg) results in a restriction of the arterial blood flow.
This means that less blood reaches the injured tissue via the arterial vessels. At the same time, however, the elevated position improves the outflow of blood via the venous system. The elevated position during the pause in movement further reduces the development of swelling and bruising, thus positively influencing the healing process.
Even with optimal initial treatment of the torn muscle fiber, the damaged muscle needs a regeneration period of varying length, depending on the extent of the injury. The smaller the damage, the faster the training can be resumed. The more extensive the rupture, the longer should be the break from any strain.
Affected patients should note that a ruptured muscle fiber usually has a very good prognosis and in most cases heals without secondary diseases. However, it is essential to take a break, if necessary over several weeks.
- Break
- Ice
- Compression (Compression)
- High storage
People who are prone to muscle hardening tend to be more prone to muscle injuries.One of the most frequent causes of injuries in the muscular area are sudden maximum loads, such as pulled muscles and torn muscle fibers, which are always the result of short-term extreme loads in the area of rapid muscle strength, so that the muscle can no longer absorb the sudden mechanical pulling forces.
Cold and damp weather or insufficient warming up before sports activities are also among the causes.
- Accelerations (final spurt, fast sprinting) or
- Combinations of acceleration and deceleration, such as those found in tennis or soccer.
As mentioned above, muscle injuries differ in their severity and the type of pain. For this reason, the patient’s description of the pain is particularly useful for the diagnosis.
In general, muscle injuries such as torn muscle fibers cause pressure, stretching and tension pain. The patient adopts a relieving posture, which can be expressed, for example, by limping or similar in the case of muscle injuries to the leg. In the case of strains, beyond the patient’s description in the form of rapidly increasing cramp-like pain, a spindle-shaped, delimitable zone can be palpated.
The acute, stabbing pain in the case of a torn muscle fibre or muscle rupture may be characterised by an externally visible haematoma (bruise). In the case of a torn muscle, a dent can become visible due to the bulging of muscle parts, which later becomes invisible due to swelling. A muscle tear is also indicated by a partial or complete loss of muscle function and recurrent stabbing pain on muscle contraction (muscle tension).
The doctor not only determines the injury of the torn muscle fibre by palpation and assessment, but also checks the extent of the restriction by means of specific movement tests. Especially the resistance test, in which the patient tenses the muscle while the doctor (orthopaedist) exerts counter-pressure, makes the limitation and the extent of the pain visible. The immediate measures according to the PECH rule can provide initial pain relief after a ruptured muscle fibre.
The most important treatment of a ruptured muscle fiber is the protection of the muscle and, if necessary, pain therapy (e.g. with Ibuprofen, Diclofenac). The positive healing process following the immediate measures depends on how much time is invested in regeneration. If the muscle is stressed too early, serious consequential damage can occur and the healing process is much slower.
About 3 to 12 weeks after a rupture of the muscle fiber, a sportive break should be observed. This time period clearly shows how important regeneration measures are after a muscle injury. It is recommended to perform a manual lymph drainage, which as a decongestant measure reduces pressure and pain in the affected muscle area and contributes to a faster regeneration.
Following lymphatic drainage, mild heat (e.g. a hot roll) and light stretching exercises in the pain-free area can provide further relief. When treating a torn muscle fibre, tape bandages are useful to support the muscles. Loose loads and easy forms of movement (e.g. walking with crutches), and later loose cycling and swimming, are suitable for gently stimulating the muscle without fully loading it with your own body weight.
You can find more information on this topic here: Taping of torn muscle fibers Depending on the severity of the injury, surgical intervention may be necessary. As a rule, when a torn muscle fiber is operated on, the bruise formed is removed and, if necessary, the muscle fibers are sutured. Such an operation becomes necessary if the muscle has been damaged so severely that it cannot heal on its own and permanent functional damage is imminent. If, for example, more than one third of the muscle cross-section is affected, the bleeding is too severe or the muscle is completely unable to function, a surgical intervention is necessary. After the operation, the affected muscle is immobilized for about six weeks to prevent it from tearing again.
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