Conditions Torn muscle

When people move, they put strain on their muscles. The muscles consist of various structural components – individual muscle fibers form bundles of fibers, which are then grouped together to form a whole muscle.

When excessive strain is placed on a muscle during exercise, muscle fibers can become overstretched until they tear. If the injury only involves overstretching, the result is muscle strain (also known as a pulled muscle).

A torn muscle involves one or more fibers tearing. This injury usually becomes apparent when there is a sudden pain in the relevant limb. Depending on the severity, it may be impossible to put any weight or strain on it, and it may initially be almost impossible to move it.

Torn muscles often occur when someone is doing a sports activity involving quick movements, sprints, turns and stops. These include tennis, football and rugby, for instance.

Fatigue, insufficient warm-ups before training, and various other factors can increase the risk of a torn muscle.

A torn muscle usually heals on its own. However, some rapid actions immediately after the injury, such as applying an ice pack, are advisable.

A torn muscle typically involves a sudden, shooting pain. This continues until the person is hardly able to put any weight or strain on the muscle group or limb. 

When muscle fibers tear, a popping or snapping sound is often heard. In cases of deep tears or if the muscle is completely torn, the affected leg may give way, possibly resulting in a fall.

The pain of a torn muscle intensifies when you press on the injured area or stretch the muscle. Sometimes a visible bruise (hematoma) forms. 

People with a torn muscle often adopt an incorrect, protective posture, putting all their weight on one leg and limping, for example.

There may also be a bump or swelling in the affected area, as well as visible bruising.

When a muscle tears, tiny parts of the muscle are torn apart. The individual fibers form bundles which altogether make up a muscle.

The injury typically affects skeletal muscles, e.g. the biceps femoris, which is located at the back of the thigh and flexes the leg.

Excessive strain or, more rarely, bangs or accidents, can briefly exert forces on the muscle that it is unable to withstand. Consequently, the fibers tear.

Various factors increase the risk of a torn muscle. The most common include:

• training too hard, excessive strain
• the muscles being very tired
• not warming up, or not doing it properly
• lack of muscle flexibility
• muscle weakness

Previous muscle injuries also increase the risk of getting a torn muscle.

Another factor that makes a torn muscle more likely to occur is being older.

Torn muscles are among the most common sports injuries. As a rough estimate, they make up a third of all sports injuries. However, these are usually minor injuries, such as a muscle strain.

A torn muscle usually heals without any complications or long-term consequences. However, this is only possible if the injury is looked after properly.

Healing can take quite a long time. Depending on the severity of the torn muscle, it takes 2 to 6 weeks until full weight-bearing is possible – sometimes even longer.

To prevent muscle injury, training should match the individual’s capabilities, and placing excessive strain on muscles should be avoided.

It’s also important to warm up before the activity.

When a torn muscle is suspected, it is a good idea to consult the family doctor or a specialist in sports medicine. First, the doctor will ask about the case history – when did the pain first appear? Can weight still be put on the leg?

Doctors usually identify a torn muscle through the typical symptoms. A physical examination enables the doctor to see whether there is any swelling at the site or whether there is any missing tissue that could indicate that the entire muscle is torn. 

Sometimes, an ultrasound or MRI is performed to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other injuries – such as a complete muscle tear or a tendon or bone injury.

Doctors recommend an initial treatment known as RICE: 

• R for rest: stop exercising and rest
• I for ice: apply an ice-pack to the injury
• C for compression: put on a compression bandage
• E for elevate: raise the relevant part of the body

These initial measures aim to reduce bleeding in the tissue and swelling in order to prevent further damage. Over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken for a few days to relieve the pain.

Torn muscles usually heal on their own. After the rest period, it is advisable to start with modified movements and not to immobilize the leg for too long. The important thing is for the movements to be as pain-free as possible. A mild pulling sensation is not a problem. Sometimes, your doctor may also refer you to a physiotherapist who can support your recovery and help prevent a future muscle injury.

Surgery is rarely necessary. Reasons for surgery include a very deep or complete muscle tear or an impending compartment syndrome.