Abdominal muscle strain

Synonyms

Abdominal muscle distension

definition

Under the term "Abdominal muscle strain" (Technical term: Distension) one understands the process of muscle stretching beyond the physiological extent. Typically, the individual fibers are not damaged in the long term in an abdominal muscle strain.

introduction

Strains are among the most common Sports injuries. Almost every person who has been involved in extensive sport has suffered such muscle overstretching at least once.
In most cases, the abdominal muscle strain occurs sudden and or uncoordinated loads of the Musculature on. During these excessive loads become individual muscle fibers and the surrounding connective tissue moderately damaged. Most people suffer from an abdominal muscle strain from the sudden onset sharp pain noticeable. Immediately after the onset of these symptoms, the affected muscle parts can only be stressed to a limited extent or no stress at all.
The treatment should be initiated as soon as possible in the presence of an abdominal muscle strain. Already easy First aid measures can help the Healing process to have a positive influence and to shorten the time it takes for the abdominal muscle strain to heal completely.
In addition, the development of an abdominal muscle strain can in most cases be prevented by simple measures. In this context it can be assumed that cold muscles especially tends to Overstretching symptoms to have. Because of this, the conscientious play Warm up the muscles play a decisive role before starting sporting activity. Affected patients should also be aware that immediately after the onset of symptoms, any burden to adjust the abdominal muscles. Otherwise, it can become more serious Complications (for example to a Torn hamstring) come.

causes

The occurrence of strains of individual muscles or ligaments is not uncommon. They are particularly often affected Ankle joints, the knee, the Shoulders, the Wrists and the Elbow.
A strain of the Abdominal muscles (Abdominal muscle strain), however, can be observed comparatively rarely. Either untrained people, as well as people who regularly participate in physical activity, are particularly at risk of developing an abdominal muscle strain.
Untrained muscles can adapt to sudden changes in voltage only very slowly.They are in general less elastic and smooth as trained muscle groups. In sporty people, abdominal muscle strains develop especially when not enough Warm up training is carried out. The real causes of an abdominal muscle strain are fast accelerations and abrupt stop. In addition, sudden change of direction cause the muscles to be stretched excessively and create an abdominal muscle strain.
Usually increase almost all sports the risk of developing an abdominal muscle strain. Nevertheless, there are certain sports in which a particularly large number of cases of illness can be observed. To this sports belong:

• Soccer
• Handball
• tennis
• squash
• Short distance runs

It can also be used in normal household or on Workplace an abdominal muscle strain occurs. These are typical scenarios Lifting heavy loads or work in poor posture. In general, however, muscle strains occur more frequently in other locations in the household.

Symptoms

Sudden, cramping, uncomfortable pain in the area of ​​the abdomen are typical symptoms of abdominal muscle strain. In addition, there can be severe strains of the abdominal muscle local bleeding in one or more Abdominal muscles come. In the course of this hemorrhage, Bruising (Hematomas) that are not always visible from the outside. Typically, the bruises can be resolved in the presence of one Abdominal muscle contusion however, feel. Immediately after their formation, an elastic, rubber-like bulge can be felt in the abdomen. This begins to harden in the course. After a while, the organism begins to break down the bruise and the typical bump disappears. In addition, with a slight muscle strain, stabbing or pulling stretching pain be provoked. In some cases this can

Pain up to the Hip joints radiate. In the case of a simple muscle strain, the symptoms can usually be resolved by the Immobilization relieve the affected body region. Stress on the abdominal muscles, on the other hand, increases the intensity of the symptoms felt by the affected patient. This fact provides a crucial distinguishing criterion between an abdominal muscle contusion and one Torn hamstring. In the case of a ruptured muscle fiber, the symptoms hardly diminish noticeably even under resting conditions.

diagnosis

There are several steps involved in diagnosing an abdominal muscle strain. The most important step is the detailed one Doctor-patient conversation (anamnese). Even during this conversation, the symptoms described by the patient can give an initial indication of the presence of an abdominal muscle strain.
Probably the most important Differential diagnosis the abdominal muscle strain is that Torn hamstring. These two diseases differ both in the quality and in the intensity of those perceived by the patient Pain. While an abdominal muscle strain causes cramp-like, rapidly increasing pain, a torn muscle fiber is typically characterized by sudden, sharp pain.
Most of the affected patients report that the pain caused by the injury is so severe that Stress on the muscles is hardly possible are. The doctor-patient interview is usually followed by an orientation physical examination. During this investigation there will be Appearance and the Behavior of the muscle checked. Especially the burden of the affected muscle against resistance is a particularly suitable method in the diagnosis of abdominal muscle strain. In this test, the patient is asked to tense the abdominal muscles against resistance. If they have an abdominal muscle strain, those affected usually take one Relieving posture a. In addition, if an abdominal muscle strain is present, a spindle-shaped swelling be keyed.
In the case of torn muscle fibers, they are often superficial Bruising (Hematomas) visible. Also show visible Dents which occur immediately after the onset of symptoms, an indication of the presence of a torn muscle fiber.

Could the suspected diagnosis "Abdominal muscle strain“Are confirmed by the doctor-patient conversation and the physical examination, a rough assessment of the extent of the injury must be made. Ultrasound examinations are considered a particularly suitable method in this context. Determining the extent of the injury is particularly important because the most suitable treatment measures largely depend on the severity of the muscle injury. In particular, the presence of severe bleeding can make hospitalization necessary. Indications of the presence of bleeding between the individual muscles are, among other things, the rapid subsidence of the swellings and prompt functionality of the injured area. If there is bleeding into the affected muscle itself, the swelling typically increases rapidly. In addition, in these cases the bruises are often displaced and the muscle's ability to contract is significantly impaired.

Prevention (prevention)

In most cases, the occurrence of an abdominal muscle strain can be prevented by simple measures.
For this reason, people who frequently play sports should urgently note that each training session should be started with a light Warm up training must be started. Only through the targeted warm-up and the Pre-stretching of the muscles this can be prepared for the later load. Above all, the risk of developing an abdominal muscle strain increases cold weather conditions clearly. For this reason, especially on cold days, great importance should be attached to an extensive warm-up before the actual training. A period of at least 15 to 20 minutes should be planned for the warm-up training.
You can also high ambient temperatures have a negative effect on the resilience of the muscles. Warm weather lowers the cold-related risk of developing an abdominal muscle strain, but the organism tends to lose more, especially at high temperatures liquid and Electrolytes. Both the loss of fluids and the lack of electrolytes can influence the resilience of the muscles in such a way that abdominal muscle strains occur much more frequently. For this reason, people who do sports at high temperatures should always have a adequate hydration respect, think highly of. In addition, there is above all a pronounced lack of magnesium and Calcium an increased risk of developing an abdominal muscle strain. The external supply of these substances can prevent an abdominal muscle strain.

therapy

Of the course An abdominal muscle strain can be avoided by initiating an appropriate early Treatment significantly influenced become. Even a short time after the onset of the first symptoms, simple First aid measures help to shorten the time to full recovery. The so-called "PECH rule"Is considered a memory aid for the most suitable first aid measures for patients with an abdominal muscle strain:

• P = Break
• E = ice
• C = Compression (compression)
• H = Elevate

As soon as the symptoms typical of an abdominal muscle strain set in any sporting activity stopped immediately become. This sports leave should be observed for a period of at least one to two weeks. They also need during the healing phase as well passive movements are urgently avoided become. Immediately after the onset of pain, the abdominal region should also be careful chilled become. Cooling with the aid of a cooling pad or cold compresses can take place over a period of approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Those affected should, however, urgently note that the coolant never directly on the skin surface may be placed. Direct contact between the coolant and the surface of the skin can lead to serious complications. In order to avoid cold damage it is therefore advisable to wrap the coolant in a thin towel and only then place it on the affected area.

In the event of a strain on the abdominal muscles, both the Elevation, as well as the compression the affected region will prove difficult. Nevertheless, these measures help to avoid the accumulation of fluid in the area of ​​the pulled muscle and in this way to shorten the healing time significantly. Even the conscientious implementation of these first aid measures can alleviate the symptoms caused by the abdominal muscle strain in a timely manner. The See a doctor is not always necessary in the presence of an abdominal muscle strain. Only in cases where those caused by the muscle injury Pain do not subside within a short time, a visit to the doctor can be useful. Furthermore, the Restriction of movement and the Lack of muscle strength as an indication of the presence of a more complicated injury (such as a Torn hamstring).

forecast

An abdominal muscle strain usually heals within a period of one to two weeks completely off. Immediately after the first symptoms appear, a appropriate treatment initiated (First aid measures; PECH rule), the affected patients feel a significant relief of pain a short time after the traumatic event.
Although the symptoms typical of an abdominal muscle strain can quickly subside, the abdominal muscles should also be used after the pain has subsided not burdened too early become. In general, it can be assumed that light activities during this period will not cause any further damage to the Musculature to lead. However, strong muscle loads should be avoided at all costs.
In addition, it should be noted that after the occurrence of an abdominal muscle strain until complete recovery no sporting activities can be exercised. Will the Abdominal muscles Too fast and / or too much stress can lead to the development of a muscle or muscle Torn hamstring come. The course of a muscle or muscle fiber tear is much more complicated than a simple abdominal muscle strain. In addition, these injuries can significantly increase the time it takes to achieve full recovery. Pronounced injuries can also lead to the abdominal muscles Scar tissue forms. Affected patients often suffer due to the formation of scar tissue permanent reduction in strength and performance.