A muscle can be strained or torn under high load. This particularly happens when there is a sudden acceleration or deceleration of a movement. A muscle strain has different grades. A muscle tear also falls within the grades of a muscle strain.

In particular, the quadriceps femoris muscle (front of the thigh), the hamstrings (back of the thigh), and the calf muscles (calf) are susceptible to muscle strains. These muscles cross two joints (bi-articular muscles), which makes them more vulnerable.

A muscle strain is divided into three grades:

Grade 1

Strain; a small number of muscle fibres are affected. There is pain, and sometimes swelling is visible. The muscle is able to contract without worsening pain, and there is no loss of strength.

Grade 2

A larger number of muscle fibres are affected. There is pain and swelling; contracting a muscle is painful. Due to pain, there is loss of strength and limitation of movement.

Grade 3

A complete tear of the muscle. The location of the tear is usually at the transition from muscle to tendon. There is a lot of pain, swelling, bruising, and contracting the muscle is not possible.

If you suspect that you have strained or torn a muscle, it is wise to contact a physiotherapist.

Muscle strain

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