Such injuries are stretching or tearing of the muscle or connective tissue from which the ligaments and tendons are formed. Significant physical exertion and slight, but abrupt movements lead to damage. Due to the high elasticity of tendons, ligaments and muscle fibers, tears are less common than sprains.
Stretches and tears
Morphologically, stretching is a partial tear of the fibers while maintaining the anatomical integrity of the muscle. When ruptured, the anatomical integrity is compromised. According to ICD-10, both pathologies have a code S86.1.
By the type of injured fibers, stretches are distinguished:
- muscles;
- ligaments;
- tendons.
Simultaneous damage to the above structures is possible. A pathognomonic sign of a sprain is a feeling of instability in the ankle and its incorrect position when walking.
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The reasons
In the etiology of trauma, the leading role belongs to physical education:
- running and walking fast;
- dumbbell exercises;
- playing tennis, volleyball or basketball;
- rock climbing or jumping from a height;
- gymnastics.
Trauma occurs when:
- prolonged and / or excessive loads (pathognomonic stretching of the shin ligaments);
- falls;
- jumping (more often there is a rupture of the ligaments of the lower leg);
- shocks from the ground;
- dislocation of the ankle joint (often accompanied by a complete rupture of the ligaments);
- bruises of the back of the leg (blow to the calf muscle).
Overwork and hypothermia contribute to muscle and ligament damage.
Stretching and tearing symptoms, severity
Often the patient feels a tear, followed by intense pain. Movement after injury is significantly limited. In the area of stretching, edema and hemorrhage may appear. When stretched, the manifestations are stopped within 1-2 weeks. In case of rupture of muscle tissue - within 2 months.
In medical practice, there are three degrees of severity:
- moderate pain, aching, there are micro-ruptures of muscle fibers (morphologically determined by damage less than 25%);
- severe pain, swelling at the site of injury is fixed, it is difficult to walk due to severe pain syndrome, there are ruptures of a part of muscle fibers (25-75% are prone to rupture);
- the pain is pronounced, there are signs of complete rupture of muscle tissue, the stability of the ankle joint and its muscles to contract is impaired (75-100% of myofibrils are damaged).
With the manifestation of symptoms at the time of injury, there is reason to think about a muscle rupture. With stretching, symptoms of damage appear after a delayed period of time, measured in hours.
Frequent companions of damage are:
- swelling of the injured area;
- hematoma in the damaged area;
- typical sound at the time of injury.
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Diagnostics
The diagnosis is made on the basis of anamnesis collection (confirmation of the fact of injury), physical examination data and the results of instrumental studies:
- X-ray - to exclude a fracture or cracks in the bones of the leg;
- Ultrasound - to verify soft tissue damage: stretching or tearing;
- MRI (or CT) is an additional high-precision diagnostic method used in doubtful cases to verify the diagnosis.
Application of surgical methods
Surgical treatment is used for diagnosed complete muscle ruptures. The surgical approach allows:
- reduce the rehabilitation time;
- prevent possible muscle wasting;
- to exclude the formation of excess scar (torn muscle heals with the formation of scar tissue).
First aid for sprains, home treatment
Stretches of the lower leg muscles, as well as ligament ruptures, are within the competence of traumatologists, therefore, in order to avoid possible negative consequences, the victim should be shown to a specialized specialist.
On an outpatient basis, treatment is allowed if there are signs of stretching:
- preserving the motor functions of the leg;
- moderate severity of pain.
The ankle should not be overloaded. After receiving an injury, he must be provided with rest for at least 48 hours, fixing it with an elastic bandage and giving an elevated position. If necessary, crutches can be used for movement purposes.
In order to control the edema, dry ice (in a bag wrapped in cloth) should be applied to the injured area for 2 days for 20 minutes every 4 hours. On day 3, you should refrain from using compresses. From day 4, switch to warm compresses and baths (in order to stimulate resorption).
Optionally, on the recommendation of a doctor, you can use NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - Diclofenac, Ibuprofen), including in the form of ointments (Traumeel, Apizartron, Voltaren emulgel, Viprosal, Ketonal gel).
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Folk remedies
At home, the application of an ointment based on the yolk is allowed. The composition includes one spoonful of laundry soap, two tablespoons of water and one yolk. The resulting suspension is wrapped in gauze and applied to the site of damage. The compress is fixed with a bandage. It is recommended to do it daily. The desired application time is no more than an hour.
Among medicinal plants help:
- plantain leaves;
- elderberry juice;
- eucalyptus oil;
- aloe leaf pulp.
Ethanol, vodka, clay or puff pastry are used as warming compresses. To prepare lotions from clay, 100 g of powdery substance is mixed with 5 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and diluted with water until a homogeneous suspension is obtained. The resulting composition is applied to the damaged area and covered with tissue. The duration of the lotion is about an hour.
Rehabilitation for shin injuries
Recovery time is determined by the severity of the alteration and usually takes from 1 week to 2 months. Rehabilitation tactics are developed by the attending physician in agreement with a physiotherapist and exercise therapy instructor.
Use:
- local massage of damaged muscles;
- magnetotherapy, diadynamic therapy, ultrasound, laser therapy;
- taping - the application of an elastic patch on the back surface of the lower leg in order to prevent muscle tissue stretching;
- physiotherapy exercises:
- walking;
- lifting the sore leg to the toe of the foot.
Depending on the severity, they begin rehabilitation, starting from 2 to 7 days after the injury.
A return to full-fledged training is possible only in the complete absence of myalgias and discomfort.
Prevention of injuries
Prevention of stretching and tearing of muscle fibers comes down to strengthening the muscle corset through regular training. It is important to determine for yourself the level of stress at which the body feels comfortable. The exercise therapy doctor can help with this.
During training and sports, it is shown that special warming up procedures for the muscles are carried out, aimed at preparing the muscles for more serious loads. During preparatory exercises, the temperature of the myocytes rises, while the muscle tissue becomes more elastic and extensible.
It is recommended to use shoes with non-slip soles during icy periods.
