Muscle injury is exceedingly common, and can occur as the result of undue muscle strain amidst any number of daily activities, such as heavy lifting, athletics, and performing physically strenuous tasks at work. When a muscle is injured, the muscle itself is strained, torn, or damaged. The connecting tendons are often damaged as well, leading to a longer recovery time. If a muscle is torn, the small blood vessels surrounding the muscle may also be damaged, leading to bruising, bleeding, or damage to nerve endings. In many instances, muscle injuries will resolve on their own. Those who experience such injuries can greatly benefit from decreased physical activity, increased rest, and over-the-counter pain medications. In some cases, however, muscle injuries will not resolve on their own – if home remedies provide no relief, more elaborate treatment options may be necessary. There are several ways to tell whether or not your injury requires more intensive care. If symptoms such as swelling, fever, or immobility accompany the injury, seeking professional medical care is wise. If your muscle is significantly torn, your injury may require surgery. In order to determine which level of care is necessary, contact Comprehensive Pain of the Palm Beaches – we will thoroughly examine your injury, and determine which treatment option is the most appropriate.
Symptoms of Muscle Injuries
Symptoms will vary greatly depending on how mild or severe a specific muscle injury is. In the case of mild muscle injuries, one may experience increased stiffness, or slight pain upon certain movements. Usually, in the case of mild injuries, an individual will still be able to use the concerned muscle. The injury will typically heal on its own within a matter of days. If an injury is more severe, an individual may experience several of the following symptoms:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Weakness
- Redness around the afflicted area
- Localized pain
- Pain when at rest
If you have experienced a more severe muscle injury, such as a strain or tear, it is important to seek medical care as quickly as possible to prevent further damage.
Treatment for Muscle Injuries
In the vast majority of cases, muscle injuries will resolve on their own in a short period of time, with increased bed rest and a decrease in physically strenuous activities. If a muscle is torn, increased rest will be mandatory. Because studies show that pharmaceutical intervention may actually hinder the healing of muscles, we will only use medicinal intervention as a last resort. Typically, a combination of rest and physical therapy will speed up the healing process, and over-the-counter pain relievers will adequately reduce related pain.
How Comprehensive Pain of the Palm Beaches Heals Muscle Injuries
We at Comprehensive Pain of the Palm Beaches work closely alongside each of our individual clients, determining a course of treatment dependent upon root causes of muscle pain, as well as severity and personal history. If you are suffering from pain related to muscle injuries, we can help. Call (561) 434-7577 and let the caring staff at Comprehensive Pain of the Palm Beaches get you on the path to healing.