Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

Muscle injury is a common phenomenon, especially for people who practice sports. Excessive exercise that leads to muscle tears or sprains is very likely. If you are playing sports, you will probably have to take first aid at some point. Usually you can treat minor wounds at home with basic first aid procedures and take over the counter medications, but you may need to seek medical attention if your injury is more severe.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Treatment of minor muscle injuries

1. 

   Let your muscles rest. First-degree or second-degree injuries usually do not require medical attention. You can treat these injuries with the RICE rule, the initials covering the initials of the Rest - Rice - Compress - Elevate treatment steps. The first step is to let the affected area rest.
   • Stop exercising until you can move your muscles without pain. Don't do any sports 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, this muscle tear is probably serious and you should seek medical attention.

2. 

   
   
   Apply ice to the affected area. Use an ice pack using a bag of frozen peas or an ice cube / crushed ice pack wrapped in a plastic bag. Cover the ice pack with a cloth or towel before applying it.Place the ice pack on the affected area for 15-20 minutes every 2 hours for the first two days of injury.
   • The coldness of the ice will help reduce internal bleeding, swelling, inflammation and discomfort.

3. 

   
   
   Apply bandage to the damaged 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.
   • To cover the wound, you need to start from the point farthest from the heart and gradually cover it. For example, if you injured the biceps (mouse), start near the elbow and move up the armpit. If you have a calf injury, you need a bandage near your ankle and up to your knee.
   • Make sure that two fingers are still inserted between the skin and the dressing. Remove the bandage if you notice signs of decreased blood circulation such as numbness, a prickling sensation or paleness in the affected area.
   • The bandage also works to protect the wound from being injured again.

4. 

   
   
   Raising injured limbs. You can also raise the injured limb above the heart level to help reduce swelling. Put the injured limb on a few pillows and lie down. Make sure to lie in the most comfortable position.
   • If you are unable to lift the wound above your heart, you should at least try to keep the wound parallel to the ground.
   • If it still hurts, you can try raising the wound even higher.

5. 

   Avoid HARM factors. For the first 72 hours after a muscle tears, it's important to avoid doing anything that makes the wound worse. Activities that should be avoided are indicated by HARM, including the initials of:
   • Heat. Do not use a heating pad or take a hot shower.
   • Alcohol (alcohol). Do not drink alcohol, as it can increase bleeding and swelling. Alcohol can also make a wound heal longer.
   • Running. Not running or doing any other vigorous activity could cause more serious harm.
   • Massage (massage). Do not massage or rub the injured area, as this will cause more bleeding and swelling.

6. 

   Eat healthily to heal torn muscles. Eat foods high in vitamin A, vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, antioxidants, and protein to speed healing. Some of the useful foods are: citrus fruits, potatoes, blueberries, chicken, walnuts and many more. advertisement

Method 2 of 3: Relieve pain with medicine

1. 

   Take acetaminophen for the first two days. Acetaminophen is recommended for the first two days after muscle tears as it is less likely to increase bleeding. After the first two days, you can switch to a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
   • NSAIDs can provide pain relief, but they can also disrupt chemical reactions that are needed during long-term treatment. 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 drugs can increase the chance of an attack.

2. 

   Ask your doctor about prescription pain creams. Your doctor may prescribe a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory cream to apply to the skin where the muscle is torn. These creams have analgesic and local swelling relief.
   • Only apply the cream to the affected area and apply medication as directed by your doctor.
   • Be sure to wash your hands immediately after applying cream to the wound.

3. 

   Ask your doctor to prescribe pain relievers if the pain is severe. If the injury is severe, you may experience severe pain. In this case, your doctor may prescribe pain relievers such as codeine.
   • Remember that these drugs can cause dependence and are much more powerful than over-the-counter drugs. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about the dosage to use.
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Method 3 of 3: Seek medical attention

1. 

   Receive diagnosis. Many small lacerations will heal on their own with only home care. However, it is very difficult to determine the extent of the injury without going to the doctor. If you have pain and / or difficulty moving your injured limb, you should see your doctor for a diagnosis.
   • The doctor may examine the wound and order other imaging tests, such as X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests can help the doctor rule out the possibility of a fracture and determine the extent of muscle tear.
   • Depending on the severity of the wound, your doctor may provide a strap or brace to keep the injured limb immobile during recovery.

2. 

   Ask about physiotherapy. Physiotherapy may be needed if you have a severe muscle tear. Physical therapy can help the torn muscles heal properly and restore full motor function.
   • During the exercise of physiotherapy, you will learn and perform exercises under the guidance of a physical therapist. These exercises will safely build muscle strength and increase range of motion.

3. 

   See your doctor to rule out other conditions. Some medical conditions are associated with muscle tear, but this is much more serious. If you think you have one of the following conditions, seek immediate medical attention:
   • Compartment syndrome. If you experience severe pain with numbness and needles, paleness and a squeezing sensation, seek immediate medical attention. Cavity compression syndrome is an emergency trauma that requires surgery within a few hours. If not, you run the risk of amputation. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's imperative that you see your doctor right away. Blood from the tear can put pressure on the blood vessels and nerves. This condition will cut off blood circulation as pressure builds up.
   • Achilles tendon rupture. The Achilles tendon is located behind the ankle and calf. Achilles tendons can rupture with vigorous exercise, especially in men over the age of 30. If pain occurs along the instep, especially when you stretch your ankles, you may have a ruptured Achilles tendon. This will require complete immobilization and castings.

4. 

   Seek medical attention with a third degree laceration. If the muscle is completely torn, you will not be able to move the injured limb. You will need to get treatment from an experienced professional as soon as possible.
   • The method of treatment and recovery time will vary depending on the severity and location of the tear. For example, if the biceps are completely torn, you will need surgery, and recovery will take 4-6 months. Partial tears usually heal in about 3-6 weeks.
   • Depending on the type of tear, you may need to see an orthopedic or other specialist.

5. 

   Discuss treatment options for tendon rupture and muscle tears. Some cases need surgery to repair a muscle tear or a broken ligament. Talk to your doctor about your options if he recommends surgery.
   • A muscle tear rarely requires surgery and may be recommended only if you are a professional athlete, as your performance may not return as it was without surgery.

6. 

   Go to the doctor for re-examination. Your doctor can make a follow-up appointment not long after that. This is to make sure that your wound is healing normally. You need to see an appointment.
   • Tell your doctor as soon as possible if the wound is progressing bad or does not appear to be improving.
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Advice

• If you are a professional athlete, you should consider seeking medical attention if you have a muscle injury, even if the injury appears minor. Your doctor can advise you on your recovery faster and you can get back to the game sooner.

Warning

• If you have reason to suspect you have compression of the cavity syndrome, seek medical attention immediately. Otherwise, this could cause you to lose an arm or leg.