You instantly recognize you’ve just torn a muscle as soon as it happens. You might easily visit a doctor right away in an ideal scenario. Nevertheless, it can take a day or two before you can get an appointment because muscle rips are frequently not seen as emergencies. You don’t need to endure suffering in silence, though, while this happens. Following a muscle tear, here are the top 3 techniques to address it.
WHAT IS A MUSCLE TEAR?
Any time your muscle is overworked or stressed, it might get torn. Overuse, inappropriate usage, and weariness are all potential causes of this. Any muscle can be injured, although the lower back, neck, shoulder, and hamstring are the most frequently affected areas.
According to the degree of the damage, torn muscles are divided into three categories: mild, which is a straightforward strain affecting only 5% of a muscle’s fibers; moderate, which is up to 25%–30% and accompanied by swelling, decreased range of motion, and pain; and severe, which is an actual tear in a muscle and is associated with significant swelling.
IMMEDIATE TREATMENTS AFTER A MUSCLE TEAR
R.I.C.E.
R.I.C.E. stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation, and following a strain, sprain, or other similar injuries, following these straightforward procedures will help you more rapidly recover and return to daily activities.
Avoid engaging in any activity that makes the injured muscle hurt while you’re at rest. The swelling will be slowed down and the discomfort will be lessened if you ice the affected area straight away for 15-20 minutes at a time. Once the swelling has subsided, apply compression using an elastic bandage. Don’t wrap it too tightly so as to stifle circulation. Instead, begin wrapping the portion at the end that is furthest from your heart. The next step is to elevate the affected area above your heart, especially at night, so that gravity can help reduce swelling.
Medication
Aspirin, ibuprofen (including brands like Advil, Motrin IB, etc.), and naproxen sodium are among the over-the-counter pain relievers that can be helpful, but you should avoid taking them for the first 48 hours to reduce your chance of bleeding (Aleve). Tylenol, also known as acetaminophen, is safe to consume and can offer some momentary comfort, but you shouldn’t exceed the recommended daily dose listed on the container.
Your wounded joint or limb can be as stable and strong as possible with the assistance of a physical therapist. A brace or splint may be recommended by your doctor to keep the affected area immobile. Surgery may be considered for certain injuries, such as a torn tendon.
Be ready to answer questions
Here are a few of the inquiries you should prepare for before your appointment: Your doctor and their staff will probably ask you many questions so they can promptly identify your issue and locate the precise spot.
- What signs do you have?
- Where does the wound pain the most?
- What movement were you making at the time the injury happened?
- Did you hear any noises resembling a pop or snap?
- When did the harm happen?
- Have you taken any action to address the wound before coming in?
- Have you ever experienced an injury like this?
Giving them some thought and, even better, writing down your responses can prevent you from having to make snap decisions and possibly provide inaccurate information.
Although no one ever plans to cope with a muscle tear, people who perform tough jobs or frequently play sports run a serious danger of suffering. Having a strategy in place can enable you to rapidly gain control of the situation, alleviate your tension and suffering, and facilitate your doctor’s work once you are able to visit them. By doing this, you can make sure that the unpleasant experience lasts as little time as possible and that your recuperation will go smoothly.
Call Specialty Care Clinics at (469) 545-9983 to learn more about the above treatment methods.