A muscle strain is when the muscle is over stretched or torn. But how common are muscle tears?
How do muscle tears occur?
How common are muscle tears? A muscle strain can happen at any time but is most likely to happen when the muscle is under most strain. If you are already tight or if you put the muscle under extreme exertion, such as during manual labour or exercise.
The fibres of the muscle will tear. There are varying degrees of strain. A mild strain is a first-degree strain. It is a tear of a few muscle fibres with little swelling. A moderate strain is also called a second-degree strain. There is more damage to your muscle or tendon, and it is weaker than it was before the injury.
A severe strain is also called a third-degree strain. This tear goes along the whole length of the muscle, and you are unable to use the muscle at all. The next is full rupture, where the muscle is severed from the tendon or bone.
Where do they occur?
Strains can happen in any muscle, but they’re most common in your lower back, neck, shoulder, and at the back of the thigh in the hamstrings.
What are the symptoms?
A mild strain will result in pain and stiffness at the area and perhaps some referral pain into the adjacent limb.
A more severe strain will result in sudden onset of pain, limited range of movement, bruising or discoloration, tension, muscle spasms, stiffness, and weakness in the muscle.
How to treat a muscle tear?
As soon as you feels the symptoms, use R.I.C.E.R. That is, rest, ice, compression to the area, elevate the area and refer to a physician.
After the swelling has gone down, usually 72 hours after, you can receive massage.
How can I prevent a muscle tear?
Warm up before exercise or heavy work adequately. Gradually increase the load you are exerting on the muscles. Ensure you are using correct technique for the job or exercise. Don’t over do it, stay within your fitness range.
Also read… the best stretches and exercises for triceps
