|
|
 |
|
Muscular Strains
Muscular strains occur when the muscle is stretched or torn. Muscular strains are also known as pulled muscles. When a muscle contracts, it shortens and pulls on the bone via a tendon. This causes motion across the joint, i.e. the wrist, elbow, hip, knee, ankle. All muscles are attached to a bone via a tendon and the three structures are considered a functional unit. In the same way that a car moves by the engine transferring energy through the transmission to the tires, a muscle causes motion by transferring energy through the tendon to the bone it is attached to. A muscle has the capacity to be stretched only so far and if it is stretched beyond that point it will tear.
Similarly, a muscle has a limited ability to contract against a weight and if that weight is exceeded then the muscle will tear. Any activity that involves the use of a muscle may result in a strain but they are most common in during sports and other heavy activity. Symptoms may include warmth or redness over the injured area. Bruising may be present and may not surface until days after the injury. Pain and tenderness in the injured area are always present. Swelling may be present in varying degrees and weakness will be seen in the more severe cases. In some cases the muscle will actually pull a small piece of bone off from where it is attached. This is known as an avulsion fracture and is most commonly seen in muscular strains about the hip and pelvis.
Evaluation will include the history and physical examination. Plain x-rays are usually needed to exclude bony injury or tumor as the cause of the pain. In certain circumstances, further testing with an MRI may be necessary.
Treatments include rest, heat/ice therapy, stretching and strengthening exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, topical agents, and physical therapy. Crutches may be necessary in certain cases. Avoidance of the activity felt to have caused the injury is usually necessary to permit healing.
If you have been prescribed anti-inflammatory medications, please take the medication daily for maximum benefit. Continue the medication until you are able to do all of your regular activities without pain.
We suggest, as a guideline to returning to your regular activities, that you have complete relief in your pain, normal range of motion of the affected joints, and normal strength of the affected muscles. Remember that the longer symptoms have been present before treatment is begun, the longer it may take for full healing to occur. Muscular strains that involve an avulsion fracture may have a very prolonged recovery course.
APPROACH TO HEALING
- Remember, rest is a key element of the healing process. If you continue to stress the muscle, healing will be slowed or non-existent.
- Heat or ice may be applied 3-5 times daily for 10-20 minutes. Your Physician or Physician Assistant will recommend which to use and when.
- Gentle stretching should occur after the area has been warmed with external heat or aerobic exercise. This allows for increased blood flow to the tissues and reduces the chance for further injury.
- You will be given specific strengthening exercises to begin once the tissues have healed. These are important for return to your regular activities and for prevention of recurrent injury.
- If you find that you are struggling with the recovery program, formal physical therapy may be indicated. Feel free to ask your Physician or Physician Assistant for a referral.
|
|
back to Patient