Skeletal muscle is a highly durable tissue that allows you to perform daily tasks such as breathing, walking and other routine activities. When muscle becomes damaged, either by trauma or exercised-induced injury, you experience pain. Painful symptoms associated with skeletal muscle damage can inhibit your movement and make it difficult to do daily activities.
Types
Skeletal muscle injuries include strains, contusions and avulsions, or detachments. They occur most often in sports or athletics, and they may also occur because of work-related accidents. According to the National Institutes of Health, muscle strains are the most common type of skeletal muscle injuries seen by physicians. Strains are classified as mild, moderate or severe depending on the extent of the muscle tear. Contusions are injuries caused by impact to the muscle and surrounding tissue and they are identified by extensive bruising. When a muscle rips or tears away from a specific attachment point, that is referred to as an avulsion, which is usually caused by intense force or muscle overload.
Symptoms
Muscle weakness, swelling, constant pain and loss of muscle function, are just a few of the symptoms you might experience if you have a muscle strain injury. If you have suffered a contusion, you will notice discoloration of the skin or bruising, swelling and pain, as well as tenderness at the site of the trauma. An avulsion is usually accompanied by severe pain, loss of function in the injured limb and swelling.
Treatment
For soft tissue injuries or damage to skeletal muscle, the standard treatment is called the R.I.C.E. method, which stands for "rest, ice, compression and elevation." Heat is not recommended until the initial swelling and inflammation have subsided. In the case of avulsions, surgery will most likely be necessary to reattach the ruptured muscle to the tendon. Consult your physician before taking anti-inflammatory drugs.
Recovery
Mild muscle strains, such as a hamstring pull, usually heal in a few days after implementing the R.I.C.E. treatment. Moderate strains may take up to six weeks while severe strains may take up to 10 weeks to completely heal. In cases of avulsion or where surgical repair is necessary, a longer period of recovery will most likely be needed. Your doctor may also recommend physical therapy before you are released to return to normal activity. Rehabilitation may include gentle exercises such as stretching and light strength training.
References
- "Skeletal Muscle Damage and Repair"; Peter Tidius; 2008
- MD Guidelines: Muscle Injury
- National Institutes of Health: Muscle Strain Injuries
