April 7, 2023 Author : José Pedro Marques Muscle injuries are among the most frequent lesions related with physical activity and sports . The study of groups of athletes who suffered sports injuries of different types, concluded that muscle injuries represent 10%-50%. The main muscles affected by sports injuries are those that cross two joints, for example, in the lower limbs the: Hamstring muscles, on the back of the thigh; Adductor muscles, on the inside of the thigh; Quadriceps femoris, on the anterior surface of the thigh; Gemellus muscles on the hip. Traumatisms that give rise to muscle injuries can be: Direct; Indirect, which usually happen with sudden acceleration or deceleration movements or with excessive muscle stretching. Diagnosis of muscle injuries The diagnosis of these lesions is clinical and is based on: History reported by who suffered the injury and in responses to specific questions posed by the doctor; Results of the physical examination carried out by the doctor; Results of imaging exams, when necessary. History Athletes who suffer a muscle injury often report a tearing perception associated with acceleration or a change of direction. They also indicate that after they have limitations in some activities, in which, the injured muscles have some role. Physical examination In this exam are suggestive of muscle injury: Pain located in a specific region of the muscle; Pain on palpation in this region; Pain induced by stretching the muscle; Muscle contracture; Pain and decreased strength in resisted muscle contraction. Imaging exams Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging may be necessary to confirm a muscle injury. Even if there is a prior certainty that it is a muscle injury, the doctor may order imaging tests to determine: The severity of muscle injury; The specific location and extent of the injury. Based on all this information, it will be possible to, more assertively, prescribe and advise on: Necessary treatments and rehabilitation; Period for injury recovery. Treatment of muscle injuries In the acute phase In the first days after injury , which correspond to the acute phase, it is necessary to: Adopt general protection measures: Rest; Application of ice; Compression; Elevated position in relation to the rest of the body; Avoid massage; When pain that requires medication, always follow the doctor's instructions. Further treatment and rehabilitation After the acute phase, the athlete must start a rehabilitation program to strengthen the affected muscle , gradually increasing its load capacity. Appropriate treatment and the foreseeable recovery time should be determined by a specialist in sports medicine, who will take into account: The muscle and specific anatomical structures that were affected, the degree of injury; The type of sport activity; Particularities of the athlete's daily routine and exercise. Based on these data, the doctor will also estimate the time required until resume exercise. This period varies from a few days to a few weeks, in certain circumstances even longer! It is very important that rehabilitation programs for sports muscle injuries are carried out under the supervision of specialists to: Minimize relapses; Early identify signs of an undesirable evolution. Before returning to the competition, the athletes / practitioners must recover all the physical faculties lost during the period of 'break' that the recovery implied. Prevent muscle injuries There are some actions that seem to decrease the risk of athletes suffering muscle injuries . To know: Optimize the training process: adjust the athlete's muscular capacity to the demands of the exercise or sport he performs; Correctly manage loads, as it is known that athletes who increase training volume too quickly (or who do not rest enough) are more likely to suffer muscle injuries; Always warm up properly before training or competitions; In some specific contexts, increase joint range of motion through stretching. The main risk factor for someone suffering a muscle injury is having previously suffered such an injury. This justifies the care that an athlete should take when resuming sports after having had a first muscle injury. Meet the sports medicine clinical team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
