Muscles are broad bands of elastic fibre that taper into inelastic tendons which attach into the bones. They contract or lengthen to move 1 or more joints. They can be injured anywhere along their length.
Usually muscles and tendons are injured in two ways, overstretching of the muscle or a sudden contraction to prevent an unco-ordinated movement.
Another type of injury very common in tendons is inflammation set up by overuse. This is often called tendonitis.
Initially you feel a 'pull' in the muscle that may, or may not, stop your activity. If you continue you will most likely feel it gradually get worse. If you have injured your leg you will be able to leave the pitch/court under your own steam and probably be able to drive home. However, the next morning it will be sore and you may find that you are limping more. This is particularly true if you have 'abused' your injury by continuing to use your limb in the bar!
This type of injury responds well to home treatment and within 2-3 days you should start to improve. It will take up to 6 weeks to fully heal. If it has not improved after 1 week it is likely to be a grade II injury which responds well to physiotherapy. Please phone Lea Valley Physio for an appointment.
Initially you will feel a sharp pain and sudden weakness in the muscle or tendon. This will make you stop your activity and you may well need some help leaving the pitch/court and in getting home. When you try to use the muscle you will find that it is very weak and painful. If you cannot use your muscle to move your leg or arm at all it may be a grade III injury and we suggest that you go to your nearest A&E Department to have it assessed.
Early home treatment is essential but probably not enough, however, this type of injury responds well to physiotherapy so please phone Lea Valley Physio for an appointment.
You will feel a snapping sensation and a sudden and extreme loss of power. You will not be able to continue your activity or get yourself home but you may not be in significant pain. You may well see a deformity in the affected muscle [a drop of the belly of the muscle or a gap in the muscle.]
A completely ruptured muscle may well need surgical repair. Therefore we suggest that if you think you have a grade III tear you go to your nearest A&E Department for assessment. It is difficult to fully asses the damage initially and so often you are referred by the consultant to physiotherapy to settle down the pain and encourage healing before a final decision is made. If you are not sure if you have a Grade II or Grade III injury we would be happy to assess you and if we think it is a Grade III injury we will refer you onto the appropriate specialist. Please phone Lea Valley Physio for an appointment.
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