Muscle tear

Description

A tear of the muscle. Any muscle in the body can tear and the most frequent cause is an injury that stretches the muscle suddenly. A direct blow to the muscle can also cause a tear of the muscle. Most of these injuries will heal on their own with simple immobilization. Surgery may be necessary if these injuries are followed by damages of ligaments or tendons.

Symptoms

Pain, swelling, decreased mobility, bruises (hematoma), pain while moving.

Overview

Anamnesis and physical examination will be performed. X-rays image is sometimes performed to determine if there is a bone fracture. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the only image that shows damage of muscles, ligaments and tendons.

Tests

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-rays.

Specialists

General Practice, Internal Medicine, Sports Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Therapy

Most of these injuries will heal on their own with immobilization of the injured spot. Surgery may be necessary when damages of muscles ligaments or tendons are significant. Painkillers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed.