Muscle injuries are common, especially among people who go to the gym. It's pretty easy to overdo it and end up with a muscle tear or ligament strain. If you have been involved in sports or if your children play sports, you have probably had to take care of the first treatment for a muscle problem. You can usually treat minor injuries at home with simple first aid strategies and over-the-counter medications, while more serious injuries require medical attention.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Treating Minor Muscle Injuries
Step 1. Rest the muscle
For first and second degree injuries, medical attention is usually not needed. You can refer to the Anglo-Saxon acronym RICE: Rest (rest), Ice (ice), Compression (compression), Elevation (lifting), a mnemonic tool that helps to remember the steps to be performed. First, let the affected area rest.
- Do not resume workouts if you cannot move the muscle without pain. Don't play sports until you feel stronger. It shouldn't take more than two weeks. If the pain persists after fifteen days, schedule a visit to the doctor.
- You should still be able to walk and move your arms. If you can't even perform these basic movements, the tear could be severe. In that case, you should speak to your doctor.
Step 2. Apply ice to the affected area
You can use a bag of frozen peas or ice cubes in a protective plastic container. Wrap the ice pack in a cloth or thin towel before using it. Apply the treatment to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every two hours for the first two days after the injury.
Ice reduces internal bleeding (hematoma), swelling, inflammation, and discomfort
Step 3. Compress the muscle
You can bandage the affected area with a bandage to protect it for the first 48-72 hours. Make sure the bandage is tight, but not too tight.
- To bandage the affected area, start at the farthest point from the heart and work your way into the center of the body. For example, if you have injured your bicep, start the bandage at the elbow and work your way up to the armpit. If you have a lower calf injury, wrap the bandage around your ankle and work your way down to the knee.
- Make sure you can insert two fingers between the skin and the bandage. Remove the bandages if you notice any signs of circulation problems, such as numbness, tingling, or paleness in the area.
- Compression can protect the area from further injury.
Step 4. Lift the affected limb
To reduce swelling, you can raise the limb above the heart. Lie down and raise it up with pillows. Make sure you are in a comfortable position.
- If you are unable to lift the injured area above your heart, at least try to keep it parallel to the ground.
- If you still feel the affected area throbbing a lot, try lifting it more.
Step 5. Do not aggravate the injury
In the 72 hours following the injury, it is important to avoid certain movements that can make it worse. Refer to the Anglo-Saxon acronym HARM to remember the actions you must not take:
- Heat. Don't use a heating pad and don't take a hot bath.
- Alcohol. Do not drink alcohol, which can cause the wound to bleed and swell more. They can also delay healing.
- Running. Do not run and do other strenuous activities that can make the injury worse.
- Massages (massages). Do not subject the affected area to a massage, as this can cause the wound to bleed and swell more.
Method 2 of 3: Relieve Pain with Drugs
Step 1. Take some acetaminophen for the first two days
This anti-inflammatory is recommended for the first two days following a muscle tear; in fact, the probability that it favors bleeding is very low. Later, you can switch to another NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
- NSAIDs relieve pain, but they can also limit chemical reactions important for long-term healing. Many doctors recommend its use from 48 hours after the injury.
- Take ibuprofen or naproxen on a full stomach and with a glass of water to avoid gastric complications, such as ulcers. Be careful if you have asthma, as NSAIDs can cause attacks.
Step 2. Ask your doctor for a prescription for a pain reliever cream
You can get a prescription for an NSAID cream to spread on the torn muscle. These drugs work topically to relieve muscle pain and swelling.
- Apply the cream only to the affected area and use it as directed by your doctor.
- Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly after spreading the cream.
Step 3. Ask for a prescription for a pain reliever if the pain is severe
If you have suffered a serious injury, the pain could be very intense. In this case, your doctor may prescribe a more potent pain reliever, such as codeine.
Be aware that these drugs are addictive and are much more potent than over-the-counter medications. Follow your doctor's advice on dosage carefully
Method 3 of 3: Get Medical Treatment
Step 1. Get a diagnosis
Many minor tears will heal on their own thanks to the steps outlined above. However, it is difficult to assess the seriousness of your injury without consulting a doctor. If you are in pain and are unable to move the affected limb well, see a doctor for a diagnosis.
- A doctor can perform a clinical examination of your injury and undergo an X-ray or MRI scan. These tests help rule out fractures and assess the severity of the tear.
- Depending on the severity of the injury, your doctor may provide you with a brace or splint to hold the affected limb in place and allow it to heal.
Step 2. Ask about physiotherapy
This treatment may be needed if you have suffered a severe muscle tear. Physiotherapy can guarantee the correct healing of the muscle and the total recovery of its mobility.
During the physiotherapy sessions, you will learn to perform the exercises as directed by your doctor. These exercises will help you recover muscle strength and joint mobility without taking risks
Step 3. See a doctor to rule out other health problems
Some conditions are related to muscle tears, but they are much more serious. If you think you have any of the following illnesses, seek medical attention right away.
- Compartment syndrome. If you experience severe pain accompanied by numbness, tingling, paleness of the limb and a feeling of tightness, seek medical attention right away. Compartment syndrome is an orthopedic emergency that requires immediate surgical operation. In case of non-intervention, amputation of the limb may be necessary. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned, tell your doctor right away. Bleeding from a tear can cause internal pressure on blood vessels and nerves. Excessive increase in pressure interrupts circulation and causes tissue necrosis.
- Rupture of the Achilles tendon. This tendon is located behind the ankle and calf. It can rupture due to strenuous physical activity, especially in men over 30. If you experience pain along the top of your foot, especially when you stretch your ankle, you may have this injury. Treatment requires immediate immobilization of the limb and application of a cast with the foot in flexion.
Step 4. Seek medical attention for third degree tears
If you have torn a muscle entirely, you may not be able to move the affected limb. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
- Treatment and recovery times vary depending on the severity and location of the tear. For example, surgery is required to recover from a complete tear in the biceps, followed by 4-6 months of convalescence. Partial tears usually heal within 3 to 6 weeks.
- Depending on the type of tear, you may need to see an orthopedist or other specialist.
Step 5. Discuss possible surgery for tears
In some cases, an operation may be required to repair a tear in a muscle or ligament. Ask your doctor what your choices are and if he recommends surgery.
It is rare that surgery is required to heal a tear. This type of treatment is only recommended for professional athletes, who need the guarantee of returning to peak performance
Step 6. Schedule a follow-up visit with your doctor
This allows you to make sure your injury is healing normally. Make sure you introduce yourself to the visit.
