Symptoms of a hamstring torn

What are the symptoms of a torn hamstring

Bleeding muscles

Muscle injuries such as a torn muscle tend to cause pressure, stretching and tension pain. While a strain manifests itself in rapidly increasing and cramp-like pain, in the case of muscle fiber ruptures and muscle tears it is more the acute, stabbing pain that makes it necessary to immediately stop the movement.

Read more on this topic at: Torn hamstring versus strained muscle- what's the difference?

The above-mentioned pain symptoms when torn muscle fibers differ in terms of the severity and degree of the injury in their respective manifestations. The division into different degrees of severity of the muscle injury ultimately also provides information for a more targeted therapy of the muscle fiber tear.

A first-degree ruptured muscle fiber has torn less than 5% of the muscle fibers in a muscle. This injury is equivalent to a slight strain. Both injuries are caused by overstretching the muscles, they do not significantly limit the person's muscle strength or range of motion. Active movement as well as passive rotary movements can lead to cramp-like pain in the course of movement, which then have a more or less disruptive effect on the athlete and his performance.

With a second-degree muscle fiber tear, a higher percentage of the muscle fibers in a muscle tear. Immediately after the injury, a visible and palpable dent forms in the muscle, which, however, is usually no longer visible and palpable within a day due to the swelling that occurs. Due to severe pain, muscle strength and the ability to move are considerably restricted, and the restricted ability to contract is particularly disruptive in the injury area, so that familiar movement sequences are severely impaired.

The tearing of a skeletal muscle - a third-degree muscle fiber tear - as a result of direct violence or very strong contraction is usually associated with severe stabbing pain, which is noticeable again with the same severity when trying to tense the muscle again. Contractions of this muscle are no longer possible due to the "muscle break". Under certain circumstances, a so-called “muscle hernia” can develop, which can be seen and felt by bulging out individual muscle parts.
After the so-called "dent formation", the injured area swells up significantly within the next 24 hours, a hematoma (bruise) below the injury becomes visible. The complete rupture of the muscle leads to a partial or, under certain circumstances, a complete loss of function.

The location and extent of a tear and a hematoma can be precisely determined by means of sonography. In the area of ​​hematomas, a distinction is made between intra- (= within the muscles) and intermuscular (= within the muscle tissue) Hematomas, the differentiation of which plays a major role in therapy and healing.

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Illustration muscle fiber and muscle bundle tear

Figure torn muscle bundle
  1. Muscle fiber
    of a skeletal muscle
    Muscle fibra
  2. Muscle fiber bundles -
    Muscular Fasciculus
  3. Tendon fibers -
    Fibrae tendineae
  4. Transition of muscle fibers
    in tendon fibers -
    Junctio myotendinea
  5. Muscle fascia
    (= Muscle skin) -
    Fascia
  6. Skeletal muscle -
    Maecenas musculus osseus

You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations

Figure skeletal muscle (A) and construction diagram of a cross-section I-I (B)
  1. Muscle fiber
    of a skeletal muscle
    Muscle fibra
  2. Muscle fiber bundles -
    Muscular Fasciculus
  3. Epimysium (light blue) -
    Connective tissue sheaths around groups
    of muscle fiber bundles
  4. Perimysium (yellow) -
    Connective tissue sheaths
    around muscle fiber bundles
  5. Endomysium (green) -
    Connective tissue between muscle fibers
  6. Myofibrils (= muscle fibrils)
  7. Sarcomere (myofibril segment)
  8. Myosin threads
  9. Actin threads
  10. artery
  11. vein
  12. Muscle fascia
    (= Muscle skin) - Fascia
  13. Transition of muscle fibers
    in tendon fibers -
    Junctio myotendinea
  14. Skeletal muscle
  15. Tendon fibers -
    Fibrae tendineae

You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations

Symptoms on the arm

A torn muscle fiber in the arm can cause different symptoms. These are significantly influenced by which muscle or muscle group is affected.

The arm can be roughly divided into upper and lower arm. General symptoms that occur with every ruptured muscle fiber are severe pain, a kind of "dent" on the affected muscle, loss of strength and a bruise on the affected area. The severity of the muscle fiber tear influences the severity of the symptoms.

In addition to the humerus, the upper arm consists of three muscles. The respective muscles are responsible for the flexion or extension of the arm, as well as the internal rotation at the elbow joint. All three muscles can tear a muscle fiber and cause massive pain. Depending on the affected muscle and the severity of the muscle fiber tear (see above), the respective movements are only possible with restriction or pain.

A torn muscle fiber can affect 19 muscles in the forearm, causing very different symptoms. The muscles in the forearm are responsible for stretching and flexing the wrist and fingers.

Depending on the affected muscle and degree of severity, one of these movement sequences can be disturbed in the case of a torn muscle fiber, or can only be performed with pain.

Read more on this topic at: Torn muscle fiber in the upper arm, torn muscle fiber in the forearm

Symptoms on the shoulder

The shoulder consists of a number of muscles, all of which can tear a muscle fiber (see also: Shoulder muscles).

Most commonly affected by a torn muscle fiber on the shoulder are the muscles of the so-called Rotator cuff. This term includes four muscles of the shoulder, which are largely responsible for the movement in the shoulder joint. Other muscles that move the shoulder can also tear.

Sudden movements the shoulder with heavy weight (such as carrying heavy objects) or certain sports (e.g. tennis) can cause a torn muscle fiber in the shoulder area.

Typical symptoms are a severe, stabbing pain the shoulder as well as one 'Dents " associated with a bruise, a significant one Loss of strength or the Inability to move the shoulder. Depending on the muscle affected, these can be different movements.

An orthopedic surgeon can determine which muscle is affected physical exam, or with the help of a imaging procedure diagnose. In addition to protection, therapy can also be used Kinesio tapes the healing through Relief of the muscles support.

Symptoms on the thigh

Of the Thigh is one of the more common locations for a torn muscle fiber.

Different muscles can be affected.

The thigh consists, next to the Thigh bone decisive 12 different muscles. Besides the Extension and flexion of the leg at the knee joint they also provide a so-called Adduction.

Each muscle group can also be affected by a torn muscle fiber and cause different complaints. Often they are Adductors affected on the thigh.

In addition to the general symptoms of a hamstring like sudden shooting pain, one "Dents" and one bruise at the affected area it can be for the affected person impossible or only with severe pain be possible that Bend leg at knee, to stretch or one leg against resistance to the other to move.

In certain sports (like handball, soccer or tennis) is a Torn muscle fiber in the leg particularly likely.

Symptoms on the calf

The calf is made up of a number of muscles that are essential for the Flexion of the foot as well as for the Flexion of the toes are responsible.

A distinction can be made between the deep and the superficial calf muscles.

A torn hamstring affects mostly the outer, stronger calf muscles (Triceps surae muscle) which can also be seen externally as calf muscles.

If this muscle is affected by a torn muscle fiber, the symptoms vary depending on the severity of the injury. Severe, sharp pain dominate the muscle fiber tear, which depending on the severity (see above) immediately or after a few hours may occur.

Also one 'Dents " as well as a bruise and the inability the Toe or bend your toes or a considerable loss of strength when moving speak for the presence of a torn muscle fiber in the calf muscles.

To test whether the calf is affected by a torn hamstring, an attempt should be made to only stand on the toes.

This Toe stand is the calf if there is a torn muscle fiber very painful or even impossible.

The pain can occur immediately or after a few hours, depending on the severity.

Back symptoms

There are also muscles on the back that can tear a muscle fiber (see also: Back muscles).

While this is not a particularly typical spot for a torn muscle, certain movements can cause a bundle of muscles to tear.

Especially then when certain sporting activities with heavy weights (such as weightlifting) are practiced, such a muscle fiber tear can occur.

Symptoms that suggest the presence of a torn muscle fiber are generally the typical symptoms of a torn muscle fiber: sudden sharp stabbing pain in the back as well as a "Dents", as well as the emergence of a Bruise. Pain when performing movements, which stress the muscle groups on the back, substantiate the suspicion of a torn muscle fiber in the area of ​​the back.

If a torn muscle fiber is suspected in the back, it is important to interpret the symptoms correctly so that a possible one disc prolapse not unrecognized remains.

Especially when only sharp pain and no general symptoms a torn hamstring is a A visit to a doctor is inevitable.

With the help of a physical exam such as imaging procedures A herniated disc can be ruled out and the torn muscle fiber can then be treated accordingly.

Symptoms on the abdomen

There are a total of seven different muscles on the abdomen. Every muscle can suffer a torn muscle fiber when it is overstrained and strained, and thus pain in the area of ​​the Abdominal muscles cause.

In addition to the general symptoms of a hamstring, so sudden stabbing pain, "Dents" and bruise in the affected area, a Load on the abdominal muscles impossible or only in pain be feasible.

Depending on the affected muscle, the Bending of the upper body towards the legs is impossible or very painful be. Depending on which abdominal muscle is affected, other movements can be painful.

Should the obliques (External oblique muscle of the abdomen and Internal oblique muscle) be affected is the Flexion of the upper body in one direction very painful.

Typical for a torn abdominal muscle fiber are the one-sided complaints, since usually only one muscle on one side is affected, while the muscle on the other side is still intact.

However, since most movements do not only involve one muscle, a series of different movements are extremely painful if there is a torn muscle fiber in an abdominal muscle. The localization of the muscle fiber tear in the abdominal area can be very difficult to identify. Imaging and specific tests can help.

You can find more information about the Torn muscle fiber in the abdomen.

Chest symptoms

There are a number of muscles in the chest area, not only the best known of them, the pectoralis major (Pectoralis major muscle), torn muscle fibers.

Muscle fiber tears can occur in the chest muscles, especially during sports such as weightlifting or bodybuilding.

But other sports and movements in which great forces act on the chest muscles can be the cause of the muscle fiber tear in the area.

The main symptom of a torn muscle fiber in the chest is sudden, sharp pain. In addition to the other typical symptoms such as "dents" and the formation of a bruise, a torn muscle fiber in the chest muscles can lead to other, specific symptoms.

So are the muscles that are located between the ribs (Intercostal muscles) an important auxiliary respiratory muscle. By tensing these muscles together with the diaphragm, inhalation is made possible.

Because of this, a ruptured muscle fiber between the ribs can cause severe pain when breathing and even cause a feeling of shortness of breath.

In order to be able to differentiate a torn muscle fiber of the chest muscles from the symptoms of a broken rib, imaging procedures are usually used, which precisely depict the individual anatomy and thus lead to the correct diagnosis.

Read more on this topic at: Torn muscle fiber in the abdomen