Muscle injuries can affect people of all ages, regardless of their physical condition. They can range in severity from mild discomfort to more serious problems that require medical attention and even surgery.
For this reason, in this article, we want you to know what muscle injuries are, what the different types are, the underlying causes, the symptoms to detect them and the treatment available. We will also give you tips on how to prevent them as far as possible.
Muscle injuries: what are they and what types are there?
Muscle injuries are injuries caused by overstressing the muscle fibres beyond their endurance capacity. They can therefore occur in any part of the body where muscle is present and the overexertion may be due, in most cases, to intense or inappropriate physical activity.
- Muscle strain. Better known as “muscle pulls”, they occur when muscle fibres are overstretched or torn when subjected to excessive force. It is a very common injury in the hamstrings, calves and lower back.
- Muscle contusion. Also known as bruises, they occur when the muscle receives a direct impact or blow, resulting in damage to the muscle fibres and surrounding tissue.
- Muscle tear. This is a more serious muscle injury than the previous ones as it can involve partial or total rupture of the muscle fibres. Tears can be acute or chronic and, as a general rule, require medical attention. In this case, the most prone muscles are the larger muscles, such as those in the thigh or shoulder.
Causes of muscle injuries
Muscle injuries occur as a result of various causes, and knowing about them is a way of preventing future health problems. Below, we explain some of the most common ones:
- Overuse. The most common cause of muscle injuries is overexertion which is caused by repetitive movements or excessive pressure.
- Muscle fatigue. If the muscle fibres are fatigued, they are more prone to this type of injury as they are not functioning as they should.
- Lack of warm-up. If muscles are not properly prepared for physical exertion, they are more likely to be pulled, torn, etc.
- Biomechanical factors. When the body suffers from abnormalities in its alignment and biomechanics it is more common to have problems such as excessive pronation of the foot or misalignment of the back.
- Poor technique. Failure to perform exercises correctly also increases the risk of this problem.
- Lack of elasticity. Greater stiffness makes it easier for injury to occur at the level of the muscle fibres.
- Traumatic injuries. In this case, muscle injuries occur due to a blow or a fall.
Symptoms of muscle injuries
To receive the most appropriate treatment and avoid complications, it is best to allow as little time as possible to pass after the injury occurs. For this reason, here are some of the most common symptoms to detect muscle injuries in time:
- Pain is the most obvious symptom and the intensity can vary from mild discomfort to severe pain.
- Swelling is another indicator that an injury has occurred, as well as redness, burning and tenderness.
- Weakness of the affected muscle that makes it impossible to perform certain movements.
- Limited range of motion that makes them difficult or painful.
What is the treatment for muscle injuries?
The treatment of muscle injuries will depend on the severity of the injury. Establishing the most appropriate treatment will be key to ensuring a successful recovery. In addition, it is best to contact a healthcare professional to assess the symptoms and provide guidance on treatment, rather than resorting to self-medication or using certain techniques that may worsen the symptoms. The most common methods are:
- Rest. Rest is essential for muscle recovery and to prevent the injury from worsening.
- Compression. Elastic bandages can help reduce swelling and support the muscle.
- Elevation. It also serves to reduce swelling and improve blood supply to the affected area.
- Analgesia. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will help relieve discomfort and reduce swelling. It is also helpful to apply a gel such as Orgono G7 Sport Gel with Magnesium and organic Silica which is ideal for soothing muscle discomfort and reducing fatigue and tiredness.
- Application of ice. Cold helps to reduce inflammation and pain. To achieve the desired effect, simply apply it for 15-20 minutes every hour for the first 48 hours after the injury.
- Physiotherapy. Particularly useful for promoting recovery by improving strength and mobility.
- Surgery. In the worst case, surgery will be necessary to repair the injured muscle fibres.
How to prevent muscle injuries?
Although sometimes it is not possible, prevention is key when it comes to muscle injuries. For this reason, we want to help you with these tips to minimise the risk of suffering this type of injury.
- Warm up properly. Warming up properly with stretching and gentle movements will prepare the muscles before physical activity.
- Strengthening. Strong muscles will reduce the risk of muscle injury.
- Be aware of your body’s signals. If you start to feel pain or excessive fatigue, stop and rest.
- Increase the intensity of your workouts gradually.
- Take care of your diet and don’t forget about hydration. A balanced diet rich in nutrients is essential for good muscle health.
- Rest. After training it is crucial to let your muscles rest and recover.
- Nutritional supplements. For example, the Orgono G7 Sports Recovery Supplement provides organic silica, zinc and glycine to promote the recovery of muscle, bone and cartilage tissue.
Muscle injuries are undoubtedly a fairly common problem that affects a large number of people and, although they are more common in those who practice sports, they can also happen to anyone. But the truth is that with the right information, prevention and treatment it is possible to reduce their impact on patients. So remember to follow warm-up, stretching and strengthening guidelines for stronger muscle fibres. And don’t forget that prevention is essential to protect muscles and lead a healthy and active life.