Muscle tear

Muscle tear is defined as a lesion of the fibers that make up the muscle. The latter is created after sustained and intense physical activity. Quite common in the sports world, this type of injury can range from simple elongation, to “strain” with injury to muscle fibers, to the temporary rupture of a muscle and its tendon.

In addition, the muscles are attached to each end of two separate bones via a tendon. It sometimes happens that the latter experiences a pronounced lengthening. This is called elongation. Fortunately, elongation does not result in significant tissue damage or visible hematoma on the skin as with tears and strain. It mainly affects the muscles of the leg that are more solicited during physical activity. Elongation can occur especially in the calf or thigh.

What are the signs and manifestations of muscle elongation?

Elongation is characterized by severe pain that appears suddenly during intense physical or sporting exertion. It then manifests itself by sharp pain during palpation of the affected area or during the contraction of the muscle concerned.

As already invoked above, elongation does not cause a bruise or bruise visible on the skin. Such signs are due to more serious damage. However, the pain caused by elongation can vary depending on the person. It is therefore impossible to rely on the degree of pain to measure its severity.

Elongation can affect only a few muscle fibers, sometimes on only a part. Sometimes, it can reach the total length of a tendon causing a slight functional disability.

What causes muscle elongation?

Elongation occurs when the muscle contracts while it is being stretched. A muscle experiences a pronounced elongation during a brutal onset effort with an eccentric contraction mechanism that is often done during physical exertion. Going down a flight of stairs can even be an eccentric contraction.

How to prevent muscle strain?

To avoid elongation, it is important to warm up at the beginning of each sports session. This will allow the muscles to relax and not risk too brutal stresses during the effort. The nutritional aspect is also very important in the prevention of muscle strains.

What are the treatments to treat muscle strain?

During a muscle elongation, the first thing to do is to stop physical activity and put ice on the affected area for at least 30 minutes.

During the first few days, the patient is also advised to perform cryotherapy (cold) and manual lymphatic drainage by a physiotherapist. Then, he can use thermotherapy, analgesic electrostimulation and stretching and muscle strengthening exercises. Be careful, it is important not that the resumption of activity is too brutal, but gradually.

That’s all there is to know about elongation. This muscle injury requires appropriate and rapid management to prevent it from worsening or returning.

In case of an elongation, physiotherapists are ready to help you!

Following an elongation, Physio+ Hamel’s professionals will be able to put their experiences at your disposal in this area to relieve and reduce your pain. They will also be able to give you the necessary exercises and advice that will allow you to quickly regain normal muscle use and without pain.