Muscle Tension: Symptoms and Treatments

Muscle Tension: Symptoms and Treatments

 Muscle tension occurs when a muscle is overloaded. This is usually due to excessive effort during physical activity. Symptoms and treatment depend on the extent of the injury.

A muscle tension, often called muscle pull, is a partial or complete rupture of the myotendinous composition, the transition site between the muscle and the tendon. When a muscle is subjected to exaggerated strain, it causes muscle fibers to break. Adjacent structures such as tendons or blood vessels may also be affected. Then, bruising often occurs in the damaged area.

These injuries are caused by a dynamic overload, often accompanied by sudden changes in density and position . This is often due to excessive effort made in high-intensity sports such as basketball, football or running.

In general, there are three different degrees of muscle tension, depending on the level of fracture :

Mild or first degree muscle tension: This is a microscopic puncture of the muscle fiber. However, the tendon and adjacent blood vessels are not damaged.

Moderate or second degree muscle tension: In this case, there is a partial break of muscle fiber and adjacent ligaments. Then, a bruising occurs as a result of ruptured blood vessels . Here, the mobility of the affected area is at risk.

Severe or third degree muscle strain: This is a complete or almost complete loss of function, which is a loss of muscle fiber and ligaments. Therefore, a visible bruise and inflammatory reaction will occur.

Muscle Strain

Torn muscle

There are many torn fibers in a pulled muscle.

Withdrawn muscle symptoms depend on the degree of muscle fiber rupture. Therefore, we will classify them according to the level of tearing:

First degree:

In this case, there is no loss of functionality and full mobility of the injured area is maintained. There is a mild inflammation accompanied by some ailments. However, the injured person may not be able to identify this disability until he has finished his physical activity or until the next day.

Second degree: in this case, the function is partially affected and there is a loss of mobility. There is also a pain when touching the affected area, as well as inflammation and hematoma. Typically, the patient is aware of this as soon as an injury occurs and should stop his physical activity.

Third degree: This is a partial or total loss of mobility in the affected area. There is a lot of pain, as well as caries and hematoma . The person notices the injury immediately. They can also detect irregularities in muscle tissue when touched.

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Treatment

Treatment of muscle tension will depend on the time elapsed since the injury occurred and the degree of muscle fiber rupture. In any case, you should apply ice to reduce pain.

The main treatments applied in each case are:

First degree

In the first days, you should apply ice and make compresses to the affected area, and also rest, keep the area up and do isometric exercises. All this puts the muscle under tension without moving it.

Then you will need mild to moderate physical activity to gradually return to normal. Some of the recommended activities are pool exercises , light stretching and light lifting. Application of anti-inflammatory drugs is usually not necessary, as the pain is mild.

Second Degree Muscle Tension

Muscle tension therapy

Ice, compression, and adapted exercises are common recommendations for a muscle tension.

As with a slight strain, you should apply ice for the first 2-3 days and compress the affected area. Also, rest and keep the injured area high. You can start isometric exercises from the fourth day. Do it carefully and stop the activity if you feel pain.

For the next two weeks, doctors usually recommend physical moderate activity until they fully recover your mobility. They can prescribe medication to treat inflammation and pain.

Third degree

During the first few days, you should follow the protocol we mentioned above. You will need full rest, and if you need to walk, walk with crutches, depending on the severity of the injury.

Then, in the second week, you can gradually start doing isometric exercises. You can then gradually incorporate physical activity until you get a full recovery, which should be around the fourth week. Doctors will most likely recommend the use of anti-inflammatory drugs .

In any case, the most important thing is to follow the recommendations of your doctor.