One of the most recurring injuries in the world of sports is fibrillary rupture, although it can also occur in people who lead a sedentary lifestyle. It is also known as a muscle break or tear, since we are talking about the breakdown of various fibers that make up the muscle.
Depending on the depth and number of broken fibers, the gravity will have a different level and the recovery will also vary over time.
What exactly?
A fibrillary tear is a break in the fibers of a muscle that causes sudden pain, usually as a result of a violent contraction or sharp stretch (elongation). It usually appears more frequently in people who practice sport regularly, occurring especially in the back and the hamstrings and twins.
How to identify the symptoms?
The muscle breakdown causes sudden, sharp pain that is very easy to identify, accompanied by the inability to move the muscle. A feeling of weakness and swelling also usually appears, although each level of severity presents different symptoms.
First grade
It is the most frequent and is considered mild. The area is tender and, although painful, allows a recovery of approximately a week.
Second grade
In this case it is usually accompanied by an intramuscular hematoma, since a large amount of fibers and a vessel have been broken. The bruise does not appear immediately, but it can take hours or days. Normally, it is difficult to move the muscle and requires resting for at least two weeks for a full recovery.
Third degree
It is the most serious break. It is identified by very intense pain as a result of the total breakage of the fibers. The muscle is no longer able to function fully and surgery will most likely be required to suture the muscle. In this case, the recovery is slower and takes between three and five weeks until its normal condition.
Which are the risk factors?
- A violent contraction or stretching (stretching) of the muscle.
- An excessive load on the muscle when it is fatigued or we have not previously warmed up. Cases can also occur in people who have stiffness .
- Having an injury recently and not having completed the recovery properly.
- A blow or a fall.
- People who are sedentary and who do not exercise regularly can suffer a break when starting to practice some physical activity due to overstrain for the muscle.
- Incorrect nutrition, since the fibers are weak and become thinner and more fragile.
- Cardiovascular diseases, such as diabetes.
Is there a treatment?
The best way to recover from a muscle break is rest . In addition, the application of cold on the affected area (ice or a cold compress, for a maximum of 10 minutes). Afterwards, a compression bandage can be applied that surrounds the muscle for 20 minutes, but it is preferable that a physiotherapist set the intensity so as not to over tighten and make the situation worse.
After about three or four days, some experts recommend applying thermotherapy to increase the dilation of the blood vessels in the affected muscle. After the days provided for recovery, the patient can continue to carry on his normal life, without exerting too much effort and training without load.
If the treatment established by the doctor or the rehabilitator is not followed, it is possible that an intramuscular ossification will develop . This appears when a bruise is generated next to the break. By taking anti-inflammatories you could avoid this added problem.
