Muscle injuries are generally referred to as muscle strains and have three degrees of severity, similar to burns. Most muscle strains are not severe and do not require medical attention. As with all injuries, it is important to understand how the injury occurs, what methods are needed to heal the injury and prevent the injury from reoccurring. When in doubt about how bad a strain is, seek medical attention.
Defintion
Muscle injuries are muscle strains. Strains are tears in the muscle fibers or the tendons that attach them to the bones. A strain is a result of forcefully stretching the muscle beyond its capacity. When pushed past its limits, the muscle fibers will tear, sometimes a little or completely.
Symptoms
Muscle strains are painful. The pain can be as "normal" as the pain felt after a strenuous weight workout or so severe that the muscle is throbbing in pain even at rest. Strained muscles have a problem bearing weight and decrease the stability of the joints around them, increasing the risk of injury to the joints. Bruising or redness can appear and, in extreme cases, the skin can rupture with cuts.
Severity
The three degrees of strains range from first degree through third degree. First-degree strains are minor tears that occur through the course of a normal strenuous workout as a few muscle fibers are damaged. Second-degree strains have more muscle fibers damaged with a larger localized tear. A third-degree strain is the most severe and involves a complete rupture of the muscle, severing it at the location of the tear.
Treatment
Ice is the first thing to apply to a strain. This should be done immediately to reduce the bleeding of the muscle and keep swelling to a minimum. The muscle should be kept in a stretched position, though not excessive, when applying ice to help lessen swelling. When swelling has subsided, heat can be combined with ice in increments throughout the day. An acronym called PRICE best describes treatment: protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation. Muscles need rest to repair themselves. Anti-inflammatory and pain relievers can be used to reduce swelling and pain. If muscles cannot be used at all or swelling doesn't begin to subside in 24 hours, seek medical attention.
Pevention
The best way to avoid muscle sprains is to regularly stretch. Daily stretching keeps the muscles limber and the fascia sheath surrounding them elastic. Be sure to stretch before you exercise to prepare the muscles for strenuous activity, and warm up the muscles slowly before rigorous exercise routines.
Tags: muscle fibers, medical attention, fibers damaged, muscle fibers damaged, Muscle injuries, muscle strains