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This article was co-written by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee is a licensed family physician practicing in Tennessee. She received her MSN from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
There are 10 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 21,543 times.
Muscle injuries are a common phenomenon, especially for people who practice sports. It is very common to over-exercise, leading to muscle tears or sprains. If you play sports, you will probably have to take first aid at some point. You can usually treat minor injuries at home with basic first aid and over-the-counter medication, but you may need to seek medical attention for more severe injuries.
Steps
Treatment of minor muscle injuries
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Let your muscles rest. First- or second-degree injuries usually do not require medical attention. You can treat these injuries with the RICE rule, an abbreviation consisting of the initials of the treatment steps Rest – Rice – Compress – Elevate (Rest – Ice – Compression – Elevate). The first step is to let the injured area rest. [1] X Research Source
- Stop exercising until you can move your muscles without pain. Do not participate in any sport until you feel better. This phase should not last more than two weeks. If the pain persists after this time, make an appointment with your doctor.
- You can still walk/move your arm. If you can’t move or walk, the muscle tear is probably serious and you should see a doctor.
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Apply ice to the injured area. Apply ice using a bag of frozen peas or a bag of ice/ground ice wrapped in a plastic bag. Wrap the ice pack in a cloth or thin towel before applying it. Place an ice pack on the affected area for 15-20 minutes every 2 hours for the first two days after the injury. [2] X Research Source
- The coldness of the ice will help reduce internal bleeding, swelling, inflammation, and discomfort.
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Apply pressure to the injured muscle. You can also cover the affected area with an Ace bandage to protect the wound for the first 48-72 hours. Make sure the tape is tight but not too tight. [3] X Research Sources
- To dress the wound, you need to start from the point furthest from the heart and gradually tape inward. For example, if you have a biceps injury (rat), start near the elbow and move up to the armpit. If you have a calf injury, you will need the bandage from near the ankle up to the knee.
- Make sure you can still get two fingers between the skin and the dressing. Remove the bandage if you notice signs of decreased blood circulation such as numbness, tingling or paleness in the affected area.
- The dressing also protects the wound from being injured again.
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Elevate the injured limb. You can also elevate the injured limb above heart level to help reduce swelling. Put the injured limb on some pillows and lie down. Make sure you are in the most comfortable position. [4] X Research Sources
- If you can’t raise the wound above your heart, you should at least try to keep the wound parallel to the ground.
- If you still feel the pain, you can try elevating the wound even higher.
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Avoid HARM factors. For the first 72 hours after a muscle tear, it’s important to avoid doing anything that makes the injury worse. Activities to avoid are indicated by HARM, consisting of the initials of: [5] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to source
- Heat (heat). Do not use heat packs or take hot showers.
- Alcohp (alcohol) . Do not drink alcohol because alcohol can increase bleeding and swelling. Alcohol can also make wounds take longer to heal.
- Running (running) . Do not run or engage in any other vigorous activity that could make the injury worse.
- Massage (massage) . Do not massage or rub the injured area, as this will cause more bleeding and swelling.
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Eat healthy to heal torn muscles. Eat foods high in vitamin A, vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, antioxidants, and protein to accelerate healing. Some helpful foods are: citrus fruits, potatoes, blueberries, chicken, walnuts and many others.
Pain relief with medicine
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Take acetaminophen for the first two days. Acetaminophen is recommended for the first two days after a muscle tear because it is less likely to increase bleeding. [6] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source[7] X Research Source L. Baoge, E Van Der Steen, S Rimbaut. Treatment of Skeletal Muscle Injuries.ISRN Orthopedics, Vpume 2012 Article 689012. After the first two days, you can switch to a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
- NSAIDs can help with pain, but they can also disrupt chemical reactions that are needed during long-term treatment. [8] X Research Source Jay Hartel, The rpe of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents in the treatment of the acute Soft Tissue Injuries, Journal of Athletic Training 1997 Oct-Dec 32 (4) 350-358. Many doctors recommend starting this medication 48 hours after an injury.
- Take ibuprofen or naproxen with food and a glass of water to avoid complications such as stomach ulcers. Use caution if you have asthma, as anti-inflammatory medications can increase the likelihood of an asthma attack. [9] X Research Sources L. Baoge, E Van Der Steen, S Rimbaut. Treatment of Skeletal Muscle Injuries.ISRN Orthopedics, Vpume 2012 Article 689012.
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Ask your doctor about prescription pain creams. Your doctor may prescribe a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory cream to apply to the skin where the muscle has been torn. These creams work to relieve pain and reduce local swelling. [10] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source
- Apply the cream only to the affected area and use it as directed by your doctor.
- Remember to wash your hands immediately after applying the cream to the wound.
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Ask your doctor to prescribe a pain reliever if the pain is severe. If the injury is severe, you may experience severe pain. In this case, your doctor may prescribe a pain reliever such as codeine. [11] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source
- Remember that these drugs can cause drug dependence and are much stronger than over-the-counter drugs. Carefully follow your doctor’s instructions for dosage.
Seek medical attention
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Receive diagnosis. Many small tears will heal on their own with only home care. However, it is very difficult to determine the extent of the damage without going to the doctor. If you have pain and/or difficulty moving your injured limb, you should see a doctor for a diagnosis.
- Your doctor may examine the wound and order other imaging tests, such as X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests can help your doctor rule out a fracture and determine the extent of the muscle tear. [12] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source
- Depending on the severity of the injury, your doctor may provide a strap or brace to keep the injured limb immobilized while it heals. [13] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source
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Ask about physical therapy. Physical therapy may be needed if you have a severe muscle tear. Physical therapy can help the torn muscle heal properly and restore full function. [14] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source
- During physical therapy, you will learn and perform exercises under the guidance of a physiotherapist. These exercises will safely build muscle strength and help increase range of motion.
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See your doctor to rule out other conditions. Several conditions are associated with muscle tears, but this is much more serious. If you think you have one of the following conditions, you should seek medical attention right away:
- Compartment syndrome . If you have severe pain with numbness and tingling, the injured limb is pale and feels tight, you need to seek medical attention immediately. [15] X Source of Research Cavity compression syndrome is an emergency trauma requiring surgery within a few hours. Otherwise, you run the risk of having to have the limb amputated. If you have any of the above symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately. Blood from the tear can put pressure on blood vessels and nerves. This condition cuts off blood circulation as pressure builds up.
- Achilles tendon rupture . The Achilles tendon is located at the back of the ankle and calf. [16] X Research Sources The Achilles tendon can be ruptured with vigorous exercise, especially in men over the age of 30. If you feel pain along the top of your foot, especially when stretching your ankle, you may have ruptured your Achilles tendon. This case requires complete immobilization and a cast.
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Seek medical attention with a third degree tear. If the muscle is completely torn, you won’t be able to move the injured limb. You will need to seek treatment from an experienced professional as soon as possible. [17] X Research Source
- Treatment methods and recovery time will vary depending on the severity and location of the tear. For example, if the biceps muscle is completely torn, you will need surgery, and recovery time takes 4-6 months. A partial tear usually heals in about 3-6 weeks. [18] X Research Sources
- Depending on the type of tear, you may need to see an orthopedic surgeon or other specialist.
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Discuss treatment options for tendon ruptures and muscle tears. In some cases, surgery is needed to repair a torn muscle or torn ligament. [19] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source Talk to your doctor about your options if he or she recommends surgery.
- Muscle tears rarely require surgery and may only be recommended if you are a professional athlete, as your performance may not return to the way it was without surgery.
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Go to the doctor for a follow-up. Your doctor may schedule a follow-up visit shortly thereafter. This is to ensure that your wound is healing normally. You need to go for a follow-up appointment. [20] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source
- Tell your doctor early if the wound is getting worse or doesn’t seem to be improving.
Advice
- If you are a professional athlete, you should consider seeking medical attention for a muscle injury, even if the injury appears to be minor. Your doctor can give you advice to help you recover faster and return to competition sooner.
Warning
- If there is reason to suspect compartment syndrome, you should seek immediate medical attention. Otherwise, it could cause you to lose an arm or a leg.
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This article was co-written by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee is a licensed family physician practicing in Tennessee. She received her MSN from the University of Tennessee in 2006.
There are 10 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 21,543 times.
Muscle injuries are a common phenomenon, especially for people who practice sports. It is very common to over-exercise, leading to muscle tears or sprains. If you play sports, you will probably have to take first aid at some point. You can usually treat minor injuries at home with basic first aid and over-the-counter medication, but you may need to seek medical attention for more severe injuries.
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