The calf muscle is the most important part of the lower limb; it is used when running, walking and other types of loads on the legs. It is formed by two large bundles of fibers that start from the femur.
A calf muscle bruise is a common leg injury that must be treated under the supervision of a specialist, especially if there is serious tissue damage.
A bruise of the calf muscle is understood as a closed mechanical injury to the soft tissues of the leg. Most often, a bruise does not lead to disruption of the anatomical integrity of the muscle, although in serious cases, stretching or even rupture of muscle fibers is possible. A bruise occurs suddenly and affects the body for a limited time.
In most situations, this type of injury comes from:
Typically, muscle injury in the lower leg area is local in nature and can affect not only muscle fibers, but also subcutaneous tissue and tendons. Closed damage to the skin almost always occurs; the integrity of the skin is rarely compromised.
Injury to the calf muscle is common among athletes, and by its symptoms it is difficult to distinguish it from other traumatic lesions in this area (for example, from a sprain, acute muscle strain).
Getting a bruised calf rarely has serious consequences for a person, since this area of the body is highly resistant to mechanical stress. But often pathological changes after injury are observed not only in soft tissues, but also in blood vessels and nerve endings.
Important! Treatment of a bruised calf muscle must be timely - otherwise its fibers become vulnerable, the leg cannot bear the load, and is susceptible to various inflammatory diseases.
Athletes involved in gymnastics, track and field, football, contact sports, and long jump are at risk of getting a bruised calf muscle more often than other people. A direct blow or fall on a limb during such activities is not uncommon.
Athletes often ignore proper treatment and continue to exercise with a similar injury, which only increases pain and swelling of the leg, causing the risk of complications.
Bruising of muscle fibers can happen to a person in everyday life - during a domestic injury, a fall from a height, during a fall on ice, after an injury at work. Often, a bruise from various types of falls is accompanied by a calf strain, which is a partial rupture of the attaching fibers that attach the muscle to the tendon.
Who is more susceptible to calf muscle injury? Risk factors:
If the damage in a place such as the calf is mild, it only slightly disrupts blood microcirculation. First, spasms of small vessels in the bruised area occur, then they expand sharply. Due to a violation of the integrity of the capillaries and an increase in the permeability of their walls, the tissues become saturated with stagnant fluid. After a few minutes or hours, swelling may be noticeable at the site of injury.
Rupture of blood vessels causes bleeding under the skin or into the thickness of the muscle, and the larger the affected vessel, the more serious the bleeding. Multiple damage to blood vessels leads to the appearance of a hematoma (bruise) after some time, which can be present for up to 10–20 days or more. Pain in uncomplicated cases is usually moderate, but as swelling progresses it can intensify.
A strong blow to the leg causes more serious consequences. A muscle rupture is possible, and its symptoms appear immediately as they occur:
Another possible complication that can occur with a powerful blow to the leg is crushing of soft tissues. This causes bleeding, inflammation and death of the affected fibers. The bruise from such an injury is deep, large, painful and may not go away for months.
It is advisable to seek help from a doctor as soon as possible - to a clinic or emergency room. A mild bruise of the calf muscle can be treated at home without contacting a specialist, however, making a diagnosis on your own is problematic. In some cases, it will be necessary to perform an ultrasound or MRI of soft tissues if there is a suspicion of compression of blood vessels and nerve trunks.
A person’s actions in case of injury should be as follows:
Important! You cannot warm your leg for 3 to 5 days after the injury!
Treatment of a bruised calf muscle with cold in the first hours after injury can reduce hemorrhage in the tissue. A pressure bandage made of an elastic bandage helps a lot, which will prevent severe swelling from appearing, but you should not put too much pressure on the limb.
If the hemorrhage under the skin is significant, it is necessary to pump out the clotted blood, which is achieved by puncture. From the fifth day, physiotherapy (UHF, heat compresses, baths) is recommended.
You should walk on crutches during the recovery period. Surgical treatment is prescribed for large foci of hemorrhage and consists of opening the hematoma, draining the cavity and suturing the incision.
The following medications are used to treat bruises:
Rehabilitation after a bruise can take a long time:
After the pain subsides (from about 10-12 days), you need to start massaging the muscle with movements from bottom to top, gradually stretching the leg. Stretching exercises last no more than 1 to 5 minutes and are performed very carefully.
With the right approach, recovery will be complete, and the damaged leg will not make itself felt in the future due to overload and sports training.
Tendons connect muscle tissue to bones. They ensure normal motor activity of the limbs. Tendon stretching or rupture causes a lot of discomfort to a person. Such an injury not only limits the patient’s movement, but can also have other, rather unpleasant consequences. If a person’s tendon fibers are sufficiently developed and trained, he will very quickly be able to cope with the consequences of damage. Until the age of 15, tendons grow and develop, and then the process of strengthening them begins. To avoid sprains and tears in the future, you need to actively engage in sports at a young age from 15 to 25 years.
The injured leg must be immobilized
A tendon is a connective tissue that is a natural extension of a muscle. With the help of such fibers, muscles are tightly attached to bones. Doctors distinguish several types of tendons, namely:
Most tendons are distributed in the area of the lower extremities - in the foot, pelvis, and under the knee. Some fibers experience little stress, while others are constantly stretched and are at greater risk of injury.
When stretched, the connective tissue of the tendon increases slightly. This occurs by breaking some of the fibers in the large bundle. If the injury is very serious, the doctor may diagnose a tendon rupture. Why this happens, we will consider further.
The thing is that the tendons on the leg can stretch, but only in a certain direction, and to certain limits. For example, the popliteal fibers are designed to flex and extend the leg. If this fabric receives a large load, along with torques, stretching or tearing may occur.
The main causes of tendon injury include:
Doctors say that with age, connective tissue fibers become less strong, so the risk group for limb injuries includes not only athletes and bodybuilders, but also older people.
Foot ligament rupture
With the development of inflammatory disease of the tendons, their elasticity decreases significantly, the fibers become less elastic. If your doctor has diagnosed you with tendonitis or paratenonitis, you must take care of the ligaments, since the development of these pathologies significantly increases the risk of sprain.
Tendinitis is inflammation of the tendons. Occurs if the muscles of the limbs constantly experience severe overload. Often this pathology affects athletes who work too hard in the gym and lift a lot of weight. Tendonitis can also develop as a complication from rheumatism or an infectious disease. With this pathology, the tendon fibers become less strong, making them easier to stretch or tear.
Parathenotitis is a disease in which the tissue around the tendon becomes inflamed. This disease can develop against the background of frequent but minor hemorrhages into the tissue, which gradually accumulate. This leads to swelling and hardening of the tendon. On palpation, the patient feels painful discomfort. Most often, parathenotitis affects the lower extremities and is localized in the lower leg or heel area.
To treat inflammation of the tendons, the doctor may prescribe a course of physical therapy, as well as taking antibacterial drugs. Strengthening therapy will help protect inflamed fibers from sprains and tears.
Types of Sprains
Most often, the tendon is damaged as a result of injury. You can make a careless sudden movement, lift too much weight, and weakened connective tissue fibers will stretch or even tear. Athletes often suffer from such injuries, but injury can also occur at home.
Doctors distinguish several types of sprains of varying severity:
The injury of the first degree of severity passes without any consequences. More complex injuries can lead to the formation of small nodules at the site of the connective tissue rupture, which will often become inflamed and cause pain.
A sprained or torn ligament should be treated under strict medical supervision. If the nerve endings do not heal properly, the sensitivity of the limb will be impaired, and the patient will often feel a tingling sensation in the injured area.
The Achilles tendon is located at the back of the foot. It is believed that this ligament is very strong and elastic, but, nevertheless, the risk of injury is very high. The thing is that such fibers are very often subjected to heavy loads. A person can strain their Achilles tendon as a result of a bad jump, spinning their foot, or falling. Most often it goes to the area of the distal connection, located in the heel area.
An Achilles tendon rupture is a very serious injury that can be safely classified as grade 3 of severity. Typically, the fibers rupture after a strong blow to the tendon. You may suddenly turn your foot incorrectly while jogging, or jump unsuccessfully from a height and twist your ankle. The victim immediately feels severe pain, a blood spot forms under the skin, and the foot swells. Directly at the site of tendon rupture, the skin and muscles visually fall inward. The movement of the foot is limited, so the patient cannot stand on his toes.
To fully restore the victim’s motor activity, you need to urgently consult a doctor. He will conduct an examination, make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment. Your doctor will likely immediately apply a splint or cast to your foot to limit its movement. In some severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Today, ligament injuries are less and less treated by immobilization. The thing is that during the time necessary for normal fusion of fibers, the joint completely loses mobility, and it is very difficult to restore it later. Surgical repair of the tendon allows the patient to recover faster and return to normal life.
In addition to the Achilles tendon, small tendons of the fingers and flexors of the hand are at risk of injury. Most often, these types of fibers suffer from damage in production. If the flexor ligaments are damaged, the person cannot fully clench the hand into a fist or grasp something in the hand. Connective tissue injury can be either open or closed. When trying to bend the fingers, the victim will feel severe pain. Additional symptoms of a torn or sprained flexor muscle in the hand or finger may include swelling, redness, and loss of movement.
Depending on the severity of such an injury, the doctor may prescribe surgery or conservative treatment, which involves wearing a special immobilizing bandage for 1-2 months. A special surgical operation can effectively repair an open rupture of the tendon of the hand or finger. The doctor will pre-treat the wound and then apply a special tendon suture. If the injury is old and untreated, the motor activity of the hand can be restored by replacing the damaged ligament with an implant.
Location of tendons in the foot
If the doctor has diagnosed you with a grade 1 tendon injury, you can safely limit yourself to treatment at home. To do this, just follow the following recommendations:
If the injury is severe, the doctor first immobilizes the joint and prescribes painkillers. The patient will have to undergo a long course of treatment and rehabilitation in a hospital. Prolonged immobilization of the joint leads to disruption of its basic functions.
To restore mobility to the limbs, you need to perform therapeutic exercises, massage, and attend physiotherapy. Remember that the fused tendon is still very weakened, so you need to load it gradually. The rehabilitation process after a serious injury can take from 6 months to several years.
Rupture of the calf muscle is the most complex and dangerous complication of many chronic diseases of the ligaments and joints of the lower extremity. Often, individual damage to this anatomical formation is a very rare occurrence. Patients are often diagnosed with mixed ruptures of the lower leg muscles, the treatment of which must be comprehensive.
In order to correctly assess any damage to the lower leg, it is necessary to know all the anatomical and histological features of the structure of the lower limb.
From an anatomical point of view, the calf is considered part of the muscular system of the posterior surface of the leg and is part of the triceps muscle. This is quite difficult to understand logically, but once you understand the periarticular bursae, everything will fall into place.
It is the two heads of the calf and soleus muscles that are located directly close to each other, so their damage is often joint and inflammatory processes are very quickly transmitted from one formation to another.
The structure of the triceps surae muscle:
In turn, the gastrocnemius muscle consists of two structures:
The lateral part begins near the femoral condyle outside the knee. And the medial (inner) head begins in a similar place, but more centrally from the knee. Under the components of the calf there are articular synovial bursae (medial and lateral), which communicate with the cavity of the knee joint and, in the case of inflammation of the lower leg, transfer the inflammation to the synovial membrane of the joint.
A feature of the muscular structure of the posterior surface of the lower limb is the transition of both heads in the lower third of the leg into one powerful thick tendon, which has no analogue on the upper limb. Somewhat above the ankle joint, the gastrocnemius ligament unites with the soleus ligament to form the Achilles tendon.
Calf muscle and its functions:
The calf is supplied by the posterior tibial artery and innervated by the tibial nerve.
From the point of view of the science of histology, the cellular structure of the muscles of the lower leg can be represented as a set of almost identical cylinders with a length of 1 to 40 mm and a diameter of up to 0.1 mm.
The muscle cylinder (myocyte cell) is a thin organic complex that is covered by a plasma membrane (sarcolemma or cell wall). It consists of collagen and reticular fibers, elongated nuclei, myofibrils and cytoplasm.
The fibers also contain a large number of elements of the granular endoplasmic reticulum. Around each cylinder in striated muscle tissue there are many myofibrils. These are special organelles that create striations in the muscles. This feature of the tissue structure allows you to quickly respond to a nerve impulse and perform synchronous contraction by all fibers.
Based on the histological structure of the gastrocnemius muscle, several conclusions can be drawn:
A stretch in its histological and anatomical structure is very similar to a partial rupture, but with a less pronounced severity of clinical symptoms.
Causes of injury to the calf muscle:
The cause of a torn calf muscle is most often either a blow to the leg with a blunt object or fractures of the ankle and lower leg bones.
From the clinical picture of the injury it is very difficult to understand what exactly the pathology is. This is most likely due to the subjective assessment of pain at the time of injury. The intensity of pain plays an important role in diagnosis, since its magnitude should, in theory, depend on the degree of muscle damage. For example, a microtear is often confused with a bruise and the wrong treatment is prescribed. This gradually leads to chronic inflammation.
Rupture of the calf muscle, symptoms:
First aid for suspected muscle rupture:
To diagnose any lower limb injury, a step-by-step approach is used:
During each step-by-step stage, diagnosis options disappear. In the end there are only a couple of options left.
It is worth noting that instrumental research methods only confirm the diagnosis. The correct diagnosis can be established only on the basis of complaints, medical history, objective examination data and instrumental research methods.
Treating a ruptured calf muscle at home at an early stage is impossible, since the body requires powerful anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving therapy.
For better healing, you can use membrane-stabilizing drugs (thiatriazoline, riboxin), local NSAIDs and detoxification drugs (reambirin, reosorbilact, trisol, ascorbic acid).
An approximate set of medications to improve the general condition of the patient during treatment of a ruptured calf muscle:
The main type of treatment for a complete rupture of the calf muscle is surgical suturing of the muscle, followed by immobilization of the lower leg for 1-3 months.
Recovery time after a torn calf muscle:
Restoring full health depends on the duration of the injury at the time of seeking medical help, the quality of rehabilitation and the treatment provided.
Rehabilitation after a ruptured calf muscle is a complex event consisting of:
In the first two weeks, a plaster splint is applied to the damaged limb. This is done to reduce the amount of edema and control the density of fixation. Only after the leg has been reduced in volume can a plaster boot (spiral bandage) be applied to fix the knee joint.
After 2-3 weeks, it is recommended to change the bandage and reduce its height to the knee.
After another 1-2 weeks, you can completely remove the plaster and switch to soft fixation using an orthosis, shin holder or other orthopedic means.
From the very beginning of treatment, it is necessary to perform physical therapy, which significantly reduces the recovery period and the return to full function of the limb.
Exercise therapy for calf rupture:
You can fully step and walk after an instrumental examination to determine the consistency of the sutures of the muscle connection.
Treatment of muscle rupture without surgery is always accompanied by a large number of complications and a long period of rehabilitation.
A bruised calf muscle, the treatment of which takes a long time, requires careful attention, as it is a fairly serious injury.
The calf muscle is one of the strongest and most important muscles in the human body. It is involved in walking, running and jumping. The success of athletes in various sports largely depends on its condition and training. Two fleshy bundles of fibers starting from the femur form a muscle that maintains balance during movement and helps a person hold the body in an upright position.
A calf muscle bruise occurs when it comes into contact with a hard object or falls on a hard surface; the injury is a violation of the integrity of the soft tissue. Usually manifests as sudden pain within a few seconds. Most of such damage is local in nature. This muscle itself is very strong and can withstand strong mechanical stress; the blood vessels and nerve endings located next to it usually suffer.
If the calf muscle is bruised, treatment should begin as early as possible. If the blow was weak, then the maximum possible consequences are a violation of microcirculation at the site of the bruise. A person first feels a spasm of blood vessels in the leg, and then swelling occurs. A severe bruise is accompanied by profuse hemorrhage due to rupture of blood vessels. Blood quickly fills the space between the muscles and cells, which is why the formation of large hematomas will not take long to occur.
Serious consequences for the patient result in a very severe bruise of the calf muscle, in which an active inflammatory process occurs in the damaged tissues, followed by their destruction. In this case, the site of the impact changes color, this may happen after a few days.
Pain from a bruise is minimal, because the periosteum receives absolutely no damage. Sometimes pain is felt several hours after the blow, when inflammation begins to develop and swelling appears.
Injury to the calf muscle most often occurs in people involved in active sports, such as football, gymnastics or wrestling. Many athletes, after providing first aid in the form of a tight cold bandage, continue training, which is undesirable; it is better to give the muscles the opportunity to recover in order to avoid more severe consequences.
Many patients expect that the bruise will go away on its own and do not consult a doctor. However, it is better not to let things take their course and visit a specialist, this way you can avoid complications and speed up the recovery process.
First aid for such bruises is to use a compressive bandage and cold compresses. Thanks to these measures, bleeding into soft tissues is reduced. To stabilize the blood flow, you need to place a cushion under the bruised leg.
If the damage to the muscle tissue is severe, it is necessary to perform a puncture, that is, medical workers remove coagulated blood from the soft tissues that could not resolve naturally.
Three days after the injury, you can deal with hematomas. To speed up their disappearance, thermal procedures are prescribed. With the help of heat, they relax and stretch the muscle, “pushing” the process of its regeneration. Doctors can apply compresses or other physiotherapeutic procedures, and after 2 weeks the victim begins to engage in special physical therapy. With comprehensive and consistent treatment, the recovery time for damaged leg muscles can be significantly reduced.
In very severe cases, novocaine blockades are prescribed, which can relieve pain. If for treatment it is necessary to fix the elevated position of the leg, special beds or Beller splints are used.
Sometimes a bruised calf muscle is confused with a sprain, but these are completely different injuries that are treated in slightly different ways.
Supporters of an active lifestyle often encounter sprains, despite the endurance and strength of the calf muscle.
A strain is an incomplete tear of the connective elements that attach the muscle to the Achilles tendon.
The main factors causing sprains include:
A slight stretching is accompanied only by aching pain, which may intensify slightly when walking or straining the leg. This problem is typical for novice athletes, for whom stretching is even beneficial, since minimal tears in muscle fibers are quickly regenerated, while increasing overall endurance.
If the sprain is accompanied by severe pain and intensifies when you try to repeat the action using the injured muscle, then a more serious injury has most likely been sustained. With it, it is difficult to use the foot, for example, standing on tiptoes or bending the foot.
A complete rupture of the tendons is accompanied by characteristic sounds (crackling or clicking), the victim can no longer stand on the injured leg.
Both a sprained and bruised calf muscle can cause swelling and bruising.
To choose the right treatment method, you need to determine how severe the injury is.
With a mild strain of the calf muscle, you should limit the load on the injured leg; recovery usually takes five days. After the end of the rest period, you should begin training with simple exercises, after warming up.
If the fibers of the calf muscle are partially torn, physical activity is limited for a period of two weeks to one and a half months.
If a complete tendon rupture occurs, then the intervention of professional surgeons is necessary, and the rehabilitation course can take six months.
Having discovered symptoms characteristic of a sprain, you should immediately stop activities that put stress on the injured limb. To minimize swelling, apply a cold object to the affected area. When using ice, avoid direct contact with the skin to avoid possible frostbite. It is recommended to use a bandage; the bandage should be tight, but not interfere with normal blood circulation.
If there is a risk of complete rupture of the fibers of the calf muscle, the victim needs to fix the leg by bending it at the knee. Then consult a doctor to determine the level of complexity of the injury and prescribe professional treatment.
If a child has injured a muscle, you should immediately contact a specialist, regardless of symptoms.
With an average degree of damage, treatment can be carried out independently according to a certain scheme:
A week later, after the pain has disappeared, it is recommended to begin rubbing with warming ointments to restore the fibers of the affected muscle. Massage and simple exercises are also suitable for this purpose. Health care providers may prescribe additional physical therapy treatments.
You can return to previous loads only after complete treatment and restoration of the calf muscle. If the pain returns, you should stop the activities that cause discomfort.
Calf muscle strains and tears are injuries that occur in similar situations, but differ in the degree of tissue damage. Most often, injuries of this type occur in athletes; they rarely occur in everyday life. Since muscle fibers are quite elastic and stretch well, tears are less common than sprains. The treatment method and recovery period depend on the degree of damage and accompanying symptoms; during this time the patient is advised to limit physical activity, since this muscle is involved in all types of movement of the lower extremities.
The gastrocnemius muscle is located on the back of the lower leg. It consists of thin but long muscle fibers enclosed in a connective tissue capsule. The formulation of the diagnosis depends on the degree of their damage:
Anatomically, both of these diagnoses represent a similar injury, but to varying degrees of severity. According to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD - 10), both of these injuries belong to the same subgroup (S86.1 - Injuries of other muscles and tendons of the posterior muscle group at the level of the lower leg, with the exception of the Achilles tendon).
The calf muscle is responsible for all types of vertical movement (walking, running, squats, jumping), so its anatomical structure allows it to withstand heavy loads. At the top it is attached to the femur. Next, its fibers are divided into 2 large bundles, and above the ankle, the gastrocnemius muscle connects with the soleus. These two muscles form the triceps surae muscle and end in the common Achilles tendon.
All possible causes of calf muscle strain can be divided into sports and household injuries. They occur when muscle fibers are forced to stretch beyond their capacity. Among the most common reasons and factors, several can be identified:
Damage to the calf muscle is a common occurrence if the patient’s professional activity involves long walking. However, people leading a sedentary lifestyle not related to sports are not immune from this injury. On the contrary, muscle fibers in such conditions lose strength and elasticity, and are therefore more susceptible to injury.
Clinical signs of damage to the calf muscle are a protective reaction of the body, which, with the help of pain, protects the limb from further stress. Micro-tears of fibers provoke the development of the inflammatory process and the appearance of soft tissue edema.
Damage to the calf muscle can be divided into 3 degrees:
If symptoms begin to appear immediately at the time of injury, there is reason to suspect a muscle tear. When sprained, the victim may not feel them, and pain and swelling will appear after a few hours. It is very important to be able to distinguish a calf muscle tear from damage to other structures that are located in the back of the lower leg - the ligaments and Achilles tendon.
Before starting treatment, it is important to determine which tissues are damaged and which ones have retained their integrity. It is also necessary to take an x-ray of the bone to make sure there are no cracks, which is especially important after a fall. In combination with other diagnostic methods, it is possible to use hardware methods:
When a muscle strain occurs, it is important to get a correct diagnosis. Treatment at home is possible only if the motor function of the limb is preserved and the pain syndrome is moderate.
A traumatologist treats a torn calf muscle. But it is very important to provide first aid on time and follow simple rules.
Even if the victim does not feel pain at the time of the fall, you should not try to get back on your feet immediately - in some cases, symptoms begin to appear after a while.
Visually, you can assess the degree of damage to muscles and other structures by the rate of swelling and the presence or absence of a hematoma.
First aid consists of the following:
In some cases, it is better to call an ambulance. Injuries that involve a torn calf muscle are often accompanied by broken or cracked bones and damaged ligaments and tendons. In addition, the possibility of extensive hemorrhage into soft tissues cannot be ruled out.
For the first few days after the injury, it is necessary to remain in bed or remove the load from the limb if we are talking about the first degree of sprain. Apply ice periodically to the painful area. Warming ointments or creams are contraindicated during this period, as they dilate blood vessels and can exacerbate inflammation.
In the future, the patient can develop the calf with simple exercises, but this occurs after the integrity of the muscle fibers has been restored and the acute pain has passed. At home, it is recommended to use an elastic bandage or bandage, unless the doctor decides to apply a plaster cast. Another way to fix the calf muscle is taping. Tape is an elastic rubber-based patch that is glued to the back of the lower leg and does not allow the muscle to stretch.
Drug therapy for a sprain or rupture of the calf muscle comes down to the use of ointments or gels that contain anti-inflammatory and analgesic components, penetrating into the thickness of the tissue and promoting rapid fiber regeneration:
During the recovery period, it is useful to take courses in physiotherapy and massage. This will improve blood circulation and muscle nutrition, and prevent scar formation. In addition, at home it is necessary to develop the limb with simple exercises. They are performed smoothly and should not cause any pain.
The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the injury and the patient's responsibility.
To fully recover from a mild sprain, 5-10 days are enough. If the muscle is completely torn, rehabilitation may take several months.
The consequences of a careless fall, muscle strain or bruise are long-term recovery, fixation of the limb, and refusal of active recreation. Injury is easier to prevent than to treat. When taking care of the health of the musculoskeletal system, do not forget a few simple rules:
A strained or torn calf muscle is considered one of the most common sports injuries. Indeed, this muscle takes part in almost all types of physical activity and bears the weight of a person when walking. You can pull a muscle during training or at home with any careless movement. Treatment of this type of injury requires surgical intervention only in particularly complex cases.
A hamstring strain is a common sports injury. It most often occurs in athletes whose physical activity requires sudden forward thrusts, such as sprinters, football players and basketball players.
In this case, there is often a stretch or even a complete rupture of one or more muscles located along the back of the thigh. In most cases, hip muscle injuries respond well to simple, conservative treatment.
There are three large muscles located on the back of the thigh:
The anatomical structure of the posterior thigh muscles is normal
These muscles originate from the bones of the pelvis, namely from a bony protrusion called the ischial tuberosity, then cross the knee joint and attach to the bones of the lower leg. Near the bones, muscle fibers turn into strong connective tissue formations called tendons, which are attached to the bones.
The posterior group of thigh muscles is involved in leg extension at the hip joint and flexion at the knee joint.
The thigh muscles are susceptible to sprains, partial and complete ruptures.
Muscle strains are classified according to severity. A grade 1 sprain is mild and usually responds quickly to treatment. A grade 3 strain is a complete tear of the muscle fibers that takes several months to recover from.
Most hamstring injuries occur in the wide part or where the muscle fibers meet the tendons.
In particularly severe injuries, the tendon is completely torn from the bone. In this case, a section of bone may be torn off. This injury is called an avulsion fracture.
Severe injury to the muscles of the posterior thigh,
in which there is a separation of the tendon from the bone
The main cause of hamstring strain is overuse. A similar situation is possible when the muscle is overstretched beyond its physiological capabilities or under sudden load.
Most often, injury occurs when a muscle lengthens during contraction or when muscle fibers shorten. This phenomenon is possible when muscles are stretched against the background of a load, although at first glance it may seem strange that the contraction of muscle fibers is accompanied by their lengthening. Such a contraction is called eccentric or asymmetrical.
Eccentric contraction of the hamstrings occurs during fast bursts, such as in sprinting or tennis, when the leg is straightened and the toes are used to push and move forward. At the moment of a jerk, not only the muscle fibers elongate, but also a significant load on them, because the muscles must withstand the weight of the entire body and the force required for movement.
Severance of posterior muscle tendons, like ruptures and sprains, also occurs under the influence of a sudden massive load.
Several main factors predispose to muscle strain:
Tight and stiff muscles are especially susceptible to strain. This is why athletes adhere to a year-round program of daily stretching exercises.
When one muscle group is stronger than the muscles opposite to it in function, it can be stretched. This happens in the case of the muscles of the posterior thigh group. The quadriceps muscle, located on the front of the thigh, is usually more powerful. Therefore, during physical activity that requires the athlete to be at high speed, the muscles in the posterior group usually tire faster. An imbalance in muscle function causes muscle strain.
Weak muscles are unable to cope with the stress of exercise and are at risk of injury.
Muscle fatigue reduces the ability of muscles to absorb excess energy, which increases the risk of muscle strain.
A strained hamstring can occur in all people, but people at particular risk include:
A strain in the hamstrings is especially common among teenage athletes, as their bone and muscle growth rates are different. During the growth spurt, bone tissue grows faster than muscle tissue. Therefore, the muscles are not able to cope with the load on the growing bones. A sharp jump, stretching, or any impact increases the risk of the tendon being torn from the bone.
A muscle strain in the posterior group is accompanied by sharp acute pain in the posterior thigh. This forces the victim to suddenly stop or even fall.
Other symptoms of a sprain include:
When the posterior thigh muscles are strained, patients consult a doctor, primarily because of the sudden onset of pain during physical activity.
During a physical examination, the doctor asks the patient about the circumstances of the injury and determines whether there is bruising or tenderness in the posterior thigh. The doctor palpates (feels) the muscles to check for pain, swelling, muscle weakness, or more severe damage.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe additional examination.
An x-ray may show the presence of a complete tendon avulsion, especially when combined with an avulsion fracture of the bone to which it attaches.
The study helps to obtain a good quality image of soft tissues such as the muscles of the posterior thigh. A tomogram allows the doctor to determine the extent of the injury.
The choice of treatment for a hamstring injury depends on many factors, including the type of injury, its severity, and the patient's needs and expectations.
Any treatment (conservative and surgical) is aimed at returning the patient to normal activity, including sports. Compliance with medical recommendations will allow the victim to recover faster and prevent possible complications.
Most posterior strains respond well to a standard four-part treatment protocol that is effective for many sports injuries.
It involves rest, cold, pressure and elevation of the affected limb.
Avoid physical activity that causes muscle strain. Your doctor may recommend the use of crutches, which will minimize stress on your injured leg.
It is necessary to apply cold compresses (a plastic bag with ice) to the injured area several times a day for 20 minutes. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
An elastic compression bandage or stockings are used to prevent further swelling and subcutaneous hemorrhage.
To minimize swelling, the lower extremity should be positioned above the level of the heart.
The doctor prescribes short-term wearing of a knee stabilizer or brace. The use of such orthopedic devices creates a straightened position of the lower limb and accelerates tissue restoration.
Special exercises allow you to restore muscle strength and range of motion. Therapeutic exercises are prescribed after pain and swelling disappear.
The initial exercise program includes flexibility exercises. Light muscle stretching exercises help expand your range of motion. As the tissues recover, strengthening exercises are gradually included in the program. Returning to normal physical activity and sports is possible only with your doctor's permission.
Surgical treatment is used mainly for avulsion injuries, which are accompanied by complete separation of the tendon from the bone. The most common tendon rupture occurs from the pelvic bones (proximal tendon ruptures). Injuries to the distal tendon, where it attaches to the tibia, are less common.
In addition, surgery is required to restore the integrity of the muscle if it is torn.
When treating a tendon avulsion from the bone, the surgeon first restores the normal position of the injured muscles and removes scar tissue. The tendon is then attached to the bone using special staples or suture material.
When muscle fibers are torn, the surgeon restores the integrity of the muscle using special sutures.
Rehabilitation after surgery
After surgery, it is important to avoid putting weight on the injured leg. In addition to crutches, you can use a special knee joint brace that maintains a relaxed state of the muscles. The duration of use of auxiliary aids depends on the type of injury.
The exercise program begins with simple stretching exercises that improve muscle flexibility and range of motion. Strengthening exercises are gradually included in the rehabilitation plan.
Rehabilitation after a proximal tendon rupture usually takes at least 6 months, depending on the severity of the injury. Recovery after a distal tendon rupture takes at least 3 months, after which you can gradually begin to play sports. A safe return to sports activities is possible only with a doctor's permission.
After completion of the rehabilitation process, most patients fully recover. Early initiation of conservative treatment, which necessarily includes physical therapy, shows excellent results in restoring muscle function and ensures a quick return to sports.
To prevent recurrent injuries, it is very important to follow all doctor’s treatment recommendations. Return to sports activities is possible only after permission from a doctor. Repeated injuries to the hamstrings increase the risk of developing permanent damage. In this case, the development of chronic conditions and diseases is possible.
(495) 740-58-05 — information on diseases and injuries of the knee joint