What is a hamstring torn?

A ruptured muscle fiber is a typical sports injury in which one or more muscle fibers tear due to excessive stress. This leads to an interruption in the muscle structure, which can be seen and felt as a dent. An interruption of up to five millimeters is referred to as a muscle fiber tear, while larger gaps are referred to as a muscle bundle tear or even a muscle tear.

The causes of a torn muscle fiber are usually strong and sudden loads . The myofibrils that make up each muscle fiber can only withstand a certain degree of stretching or compression before they tear. Other causes can be:

• Incorrect warm-up before training
• Incorrect movement sequences
• Fatigued muscles
• Reduced elongation
• Violence (for example, a kick in the calf)
• Cold and wet weather when moving
• Previous injuries not healed
• Chronic inflammation in the body, such as tooth decay or tonsillitis

In principle, muscle fiber tears can occur in all muscle parts. The thighs and calves are particularly often affected.

Torn hamstring in the thigh

The thigh is prone to muscle fiber tears, especially in the rear area. The thigh muscles are in action in all sports with frequent braking and acceleration, for example in football or tennis, running or jumping. An injury in this area is relatively painful and protracted.

Torn muscle fiber in the calf

The calf muscles are exposed to high loads during sudden acceleration movements such as jumping off or running, as well as when braking. A torn muscle fiber in the lower leg therefore often occurs with such movements. Direct violence, for example a kick while playing football, can also lead to this injury. 

Torn muscle fiber in the arm or shoulder

Not only athletes are affected by tears in the shoulder or arm muscles. Such injuries can also occur in everyday situations, for example when carrying a heavy crate of drinks. If the shoulder is affected, it is important to take care of the muscles afterwards, but to move them regularly (initially passively) so that the shoulder joint capsule does not stick together. Even with a torn muscle fiber in the biceps, the affected arm should not be stressed for about four weeks.

Torn muscle fiber in the abdomen

Tears in the straight or oblique abdominal muscles can result from excessive exercise, but also from severe coughing or pregnancy. Most of the time, breathing alone is painful.

Torn muscle fiber in the back

In the back, as in the foot, muscle fiber tears are rather rare. However, they can occur, for example, when lifting heavy objects if the movement is too fast and jerky. 

How can I properly treat a torn hamstring?

In order to keep the damage from a ruptured muscle fiber as low as possible and to have a positive effect on healing, the so-called PECH rule helps as a first aid measure :

• P - take a break. The most importants part of the treatment is to protect the muscles. He should be completely immobilized immediately after the occurrence. Depend on which muscle is affected and how severely, the break should be three to twelve weeks.
• E - put on ice. Cold not only relieves the pain, but also prevents the affected area from swelling any further.
• C - Apply compression / compression. Pressure bandages also work against the swelling and prevent bruises from spreading.
• H - Elevate. The affected areas of the body should be raised as high as possible to support the return of the blood.

In the case of a torn muscle fiber, massage and warming should be avoided for the time being.

Torn muscle fiber: therapy at the doctor

In addition to anti-inflammatory pain medication such as diclofenac or iboprofen, the doctor may prescribe lymph drainage and recommend physiotherapy to relieve pressure and pain in the event of a ruptured muscle fiber . The exercises tailored to the respective muscle fiber tear help to increasingly stress the muscle and gently stimulate it so that it can slowly regenerate.

Special tape dressings are suitable for support and accompanying therapy on the injured areas. For example, to treat a torn muscle fiber in the calf, taping with an elastic kinesio tape can relieve the damaged muscle.

If the torn muscle fiber has resulted in a large bruise , the tissue can be punctured so that the blood can drain off. If the injury is very severe, or if it is even a muscle bundle tear or a muscle tear, the torn areas may have to be sutured in an operation.

What else helps with torn muscle fibers?

Homeopathy: Some applications from homeopathy can be used as an accompanying therapy for a ruptured muscle fiber. Arnica (Bergwohlverleih) is a classic "injury remedy" for strains and sprains, and Bryonia (white beetroot) is also used for injuries to tendons and muscles. Calendula (marigold), Apis mellificia (honey bee) and Rhus toxicodendron (poison sumac) can also help, either as drops, tablets or ointments.

Home remedies: Quark or clay compresses have a decongestant effect.

Food supplements: To ensure a sufficient supply of micronutrients, it is recommended to take magnesium after a muscle fiber tear , which promotes muscle elasticity.

Muscle fiber tear: duration and course

The extent and location of the muscle fiber tear determine how long the damaged muscle needs to be completely regenerated. In general, it takes between three to six weeks for a torn muscle to heal completely. During this time, the muscles should not be trained and should also be stressed as little as possible.

If the load is too early, the affected muscle can be injured again and retraumatisation occurs. In the area of ​​the muscle fiber tear, depending on the amount of bleeding, scar tissue also forms, which is less elastic than the muscle. Otherwise, a torn muscle fiber will usually heal without any consequences. Complications are rare.

What are the symptom of a torn muscle fiber?

A torn muscle fiber is announced by pain that feels pointed and knife-pricked. The person concerned must immediately interrupt the strain or movement and adopt a relieving posture in order to relieve the muscle. Tensing or stretching the muscle as well as pressure increases the pain.

In contrast to a simple strain, you can often see a dent at the site of the muscle fiber tear, which can also be felt. However, this only applies for a short period immediately after the injury, until the swelling occurs. Depending on the severity, a torn muscle fiber sometimes also shows a bruise.

This is how the doctors makes the diagnosis of a ruptured muscle fiber

After a questionnaire about how the accident happened and the symptoms, the doctor examines the injured muscle by palpating it for dents, bruises and swellings and checks its functionality with special movement tests. An ultrasound examination shows how severe the damage is to the muscle : not only the torn muscle fiber is usually clearly visible on the ultrasound image, but also possible hematomas. If these examinations do not provide a clear result, the doctor can also examine a torn muscle fiber using MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

Torn hamstring: which doctor is the right one?

If a torn muscle fiber is suspected, it is advisable to consult a doctor as soon as possible. He can make the exact diagnosis and prescribe therapeutic measures. Both the family doctor and an orthopedist who specializes in sports medicine are the right places to go.