How to treat and what to do for a muscle sprain?

It is necessary to provide rest to the injured muscle, avoiding any (especially sudden) movements and physical activity. Within 2 days after the injury, any activity should be completely excluded.

To prevent excess fluid from accumulating in the tissues, apply a cold compress (ice is best) to the injured area as soon as possible after the injury and hold it for at least half an hour. Then apply ice every 4 hours throughout the day. It is best to use special ice for cocktails or other frozen products wrapped in cellophane and a towel for this purpose.

The injury site must be clearly fixed. If the hematoma is growing, a tight elastic bandage is used. To reduce swelling and improve blood flow, the limb with the injured muscle should be placed on an elevation.

If necessary, take anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications:

	Method of administration and dosage	Side effects	Special instructions
Ibuprofen	Ibuprofen tablets are taken in the amount of 20-30 mg/kg of weight per day. Optimally - 1-2 tablets every 5 hours.	Nausea, abdominal pain, drowsiness, tinnitus.	Ibuprofen is not used to treat children under six years of age.
Ketanov	Ketanov (Ketorolac) tablets are taken in the amount of 60 mg per day (no more than 90 mg), for a short period of time (2-3 days).	Dyspepsia, taste changes, stomach pain, headache, skin rash.	It is recommended to use the drug in the minimum possible dosage and for the minimum amount of time.
Diclofenac	Diclofenac sodium tablets are taken with food, 1-2 tablets up to 3 times a day. It is possible to use the drug in the form of suppositories. The course of treatment is up to 3 weeks.	Abdominal pain, hepatitis, dyspepsia, headache, tachycardia.	Diclofenac is not suitable for use in children under 15 years of age.
Meloxicam	The tablets are taken for mild pain, for constant aching pain, 7.5-15 mg per day.	Headache, mood changes, drowsiness, blurred vision.	Meloxicam is not used to treat children under 16 years of age.
Xefocam	Administer 8 mg per day intravenously or intramuscularly.	Dyspepsia, gastric bleeding, high blood pressure, thrombosis.	Xefocam is not used to treat children under 18 years of age.

Painkillers for muscle strains are not always necessary, because the pain can be different - from minor to quite pronounced, with a limitation of physical activity. In mild cases, you can limit yourself to using ointments with analgesics. But if the pain bothers you a lot, worsening at night - then in such a situation you have to resort to oral medications. Analgesics should not be taken for a long time. As doctors note, 2-3 days are enough to relieve acute pain: longer use can lead to unwanted side effects.

Among the most common painkillers for oral administration are:

• Pyrazolone drugs: Analgin, Renalgan, Tempalgin.
• Combined analgesics: Dolaren, Trigan, Fanigan, Pentalgin.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Ketorolac.
• Coxibs (a type of NSAID): Celecoxib, Etoricoxib.
• Antispasmodics with analgesic effect: Drotaverine, Duspatalin.

Mydocalm helps with muscle strains due to its antispasmodic and muscle relaxant properties, but this drug is not able to relieve inflammation. Mydocalm is used in cases where the use of other medications is impossible for some reason. The drug is taken 150-300 mg daily orally, or intramuscularly 100 mg twice a day. Mydocalm is approved for use in children starting from the second year of life. However, the use of the drug during pregnancy is not recommended.

Ointments, creams, gels for muscle strains

In case of closed muscle injuries, external agents that relieve swelling and alleviate pain are often and successfully used. During the first 3-4 days after injury, it is not recommended to apply irritating, distracting and warming preparations that cause increased blood circulation in the affected area. During this period, painkillers and anti-inflammatory agents, as well as herbal absorbable agents, are more relevant.

Not only ointments but also gels have a good effect, which have excellent absorption and a pronounced cooling property. For example, many doctors recommend using Heparil-gel, Troxevasin, Indovazin, etc.

After a few days, when the doctor allows you to begin warming procedures, the following external preparations are suitable for application:

• Espol is an ointment based on pepper pods;
• Finalgon is a vasodilator analgesic drug;
• Nikoflex is a resorption agent based on lavender oil;
• Sanitas – cream with camphor, eucalyptus, petroleum jelly and pork fat;
• Efkamon is a product containing mustard and clove oils, as well as cinnamon extract.

In addition to the above medications, ointments such as Viprosal, Virapin, and Apizartron are particularly popular.

• Diclofenac is actively used in the form of an ointment for muscle strain, as it has strong anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties. The ointment eliminates joint stiffness, relieves swelling and pain. It is enough to apply 2-4 g of the product to the affected area of 400-800 cm², two or three times a day. The drug is applied to clean, undamaged skin.
• Menovazin relieves muscle strain pain well, but this product can irritate the skin. For this reason, it is recommended to use it no earlier than 3-4 days after the injury. Menovazin can also be used during pregnancy, if there is no allergy to the composition of the drug. The ointment is applied to the painful area several times a day, rubbing until completely absorbed.
• Finalgon is used for muscle strains due to its pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. The drug can be used 3-4 days after the injury, after testing it on a small area of the body (to rule out allergies). Finalgon is rubbed in easily and carefully using the applicator included in the kit. To enhance the effect, it is recommended to cover the treated area with a bandage or a warm scarf. Finalgon is not used to treat children under 12 years of age.
• Troxevasin for muscle strain helps hematoma and edema disappear faster. It is well accepted by tissues and practically does not cause allergic reactions. Troxevasin gel is used in the morning and evening, applying a small amount of the product to clean and dry skin.
• Dimexide has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect when muscle strain occurs, as it can penetrate deep into tissues, promoting the acceleration of blood circulation and tissue regeneration. The composition of the drug is represented by the basic component dimethyl sulfoxide. This component directly affects the nerve endings and prevents pain. Dimexide is used in the form of compresses, not earlier than the 4th day from the moment of injury. To prepare a compress, mix 30 ml of 30% diluted drug and 50 ml of 2% novocaine.
• Dolobene for muscle strain promotes a complex effect, which includes acceleration of tissue regeneration. Dolobene contains non-steroidal anti-inflammatory components, therefore it effectively eliminates pain and inhibits the development of an inflammatory reaction. The drug is applied to the affected area 2-4 times a day, in a thin layer. The duration of use is determined by the doctor. Dolobene is not suitable for treating children under 5 years of age.
• Turpentine ointment for muscle strain is used according to indications, as part of complex treatment. The ointment warms, eliminates pain and inflammation, distracts, and acts as a local antiseptic. The product is applied under a compress, which is held on the sore spot for at least 2 hours, twice a day. Before using the ointment, it is necessary to conduct a test to exclude the presence of allergies.
• Zvezdochka is used for muscle strain both for treatment and prevention: thus, this well-known remedy is often used by athletes during warming massage. This balm is contraindicated for children under 6 years of age. If there is already such an injury as a strain, then the balm is applied starting from the 4th day, not earlier. Zvezdochka activates local blood circulation, and if applied earlier, it can provoke an increase in bruising. In the future, the remedy can be used twice a day, preferably under a bandage.

Bandage for muscle strain

Elastic bandage is widely used to prevent and treat various injuries. Such a bandage is multifunctional:

• tightly fixes the damaged area;
• can be used repeatedly;
• suitable for fixing absolutely any part of the body;
• can be used by the patient independently;
• does not cause discomfort when worn;
• can be used in combination with compresses or ointments.

How to properly apply a bandage for a sprain?

• The bandage is applied from top to bottom, with uniform tension, preferably in the morning.
• The beginning and end of the bandage should be approximately 15 cm from the affected area.

The bandage is worn as needed, but it must be removed before going to bed.

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Muscle Strain Patch

The Nanoplast Forte patch helps to quickly relieve pain and stop inflammation in the damaged area of the body. This product is effective and safe, so it is used for many problems with joints, spine, muscles and ligaments.

The patch will help:

• for muscle pain in the neck, back, lower back;
• for hematomas and bruises;
• for closed soft tissue injuries;
• for sports injuries.

Treatment with the patch is rarely accompanied by allergic reactions, such as rash and itching. If such symptoms do occur, they also quickly disappear after the patch is removed.

The manufacturer states that the product should not be used during pregnancy or applied to open skin lesions.

Nanoplast is glued to dry skin of the affected area for up to 12 hours. The next patch can be glued no earlier than six hours after the previous one.

The product is disposable and is not reused. The average course of treatment with Nanoplast is 3-9 days.

Muscle Strain Relief Tapes

A real salvation for athletes is the "tape tape" - this is an elastic device with excellent tightening and stretching properties. The tape material is cotton, with an adhesive base on one side. This allows it to stick well to the body. You can leave the tape on even while swimming in the pool: it will stick just as well and dry quickly.

"Taping" can be used both for injury prevention and to alleviate the condition of soft tissue damage. How does the tape "work"? It fixes the skin well, preventing possible muscle or joint displacement. In this position, the tissues heal faster.

Immediately after fixing, the tape has an analgesic effect, optimizes blood circulation and lymph drainage.

Vitamins

Muscle tissue restoration occurs due to the complex impact of factors: it is very important to use periods of rest and moderate dosed physical activity correctly, providing the body with vitamins and minerals.

For quick regeneration, nutritionists advise including in the diet foods with a sufficient content of all the necessary useful components. These are B vitamins, ascorbic acid, tocopherol, calcium, magnesium, selenium.

In some cases, the doctor may recommend taking individual vitamin and mineral supplements that contain all the components necessary for recovery.

• Arthrivit is prescribed for inflammatory and degenerative processes in the musculoskeletal system. The specially selected complex has a positive effect on tissue regeneration. The drug is taken in the morning and evening, with food, one capsule. The duration of admission is one month.
• Calcemin is used to regulate phosphorus-calcium metabolism, to strengthen bones, muscles and joints. The drug can be used for both treatment and prevention of problems with the musculoskeletal system. Calcemin is taken 1-2 times a day, one tablet.
• Antioksicaps is used as an auxiliary source of vitamins and antioxidants as part of complex therapy. The drug is taken one capsule per day for 1-3 months.

Physiotherapy treatment

The doctor will definitely prescribe a set of exercise therapy exercises: during the classes, a trained instructor will demonstrate and monitor the performance of all the necessary exercises. Exercise therapy allows you to restore muscle tissue faster, and in the future, the patient will be able to perform the proposed exercises independently at home.

The basic methods of physiotherapy for muscle injuries are:

• UHF – exposure to a high-frequency electromagnetic field – is carried out to improve blood circulation and accelerate tissue regeneration;
• electrophoresis with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications – provides a direct effect on the affected area at the cellular level;
• phonophoresis with corticosteroids – provides relief from severe inflammation by using ultrasonic waves;
• paraffin therapy – warms tissues at the rehabilitation stage for lasting muscle restoration.

Rehabilitation may also include mud therapy, spa treatment, etc.

The Almag device can be used for muscle strains as early as 12 hours after a minor injury, or 2-3 days after a serious injury. The inductors are placed along the affected areas of the muscles or around them. Almag helps relieve pain, relieves swelling, accelerates regeneration, improves blood circulation, and restores the function of damaged structures.

Massage for muscle strain

Massage can be started no earlier than the third day after the injury. Earlier procedures often lead to the growth of the hematoma and to the aggravation of pain.

The first stage of the massage mainly involves spiral and concentric stroking. The area above the damaged area is also massaged – here mainly kneading and squeezing are used. Such an impact improves the drainage of blood and lymph, relieves pain and provides optimal conditions for healing.

Over time, the range of massage techniques gradually expands. 7-10 days after the injury, it is allowed to carefully do active and passive kneading of the joints in the affected area.

Massage should be done only by a specialist, so as not to harm the sore muscles. If everything is done correctly, then after just a few sessions there will be a significant improvement in well-being: the swelling and hematoma will begin to subside little by little, and the pain will decrease.

Gymnastics for muscle stretching

Stretching gymnastics aims to relax the muscles and relieve spasms, which in most cases become the "culprit" of all the unpleasant consequences with the muscular system. In untrained people, the muscles "harden", not performing their functions for a long time.

The gymnastics is performed easily and at a slow pace, so it is not at all necessary to have any athletic training.

Restoration of muscle circulation is observed approximately several weeks after the start of systematic training: muscles become more elastic, spasms go away.

Experts suggest five basic exercises to ensure adequate muscle stretching.

1. Take the lotus position: your back should be straight. Tilt your head to the side (as if laying it on your shoulder), hold for a couple of seconds, return to the starting position. Do 6 repetitions in one and the other direction.
2. Stand straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. Raise your arms up, stretch, stretching your shoulders and chest. Hold for a few seconds, return to the starting position. Do about six repetitions.
3. Stand up straight, spread your legs slightly apart (not to shoulder width), squat slightly. Keep your hands on your waist. Raise your arm, as if stretching, “reach” the maximum point, then freely lower your arm. Do six repetitions for each arm.
4. Do a forward lunge, hands behind your head. Bend your body to the right, hold for a few seconds, then bend to the left. Repeat six times in each direction.
5. Lie on your back. Pull one knee to your chest, hold for a few seconds, return to the starting position. Repeat with the other knee.

Do the exercises without haste and sudden movements. Try to perform the proposed complex daily.

Bath for muscle strain

You can visit a sauna or practice any other thermal procedures only after the acute period is over, when the signs of the inflammatory reaction disappear and the swelling subsides. As a rule, this happens no earlier than 4-5 days after the injury.

At the initial stage of injury (1-4 days of injury), doctors do not recommend using heat treatments. Ice packs, cooling ointments and sprays can be used. If heat is applied immediately after injury, it will only worsen the condition, provoke increased swelling and hemorrhage.

Bath for muscle strain

Doctors strongly advise against taking a hot bath after muscle injury. However, a cold bath is recommended.

Today, even many sports clubs are equipped with special pools with cold water, in which you can swim immediately after a hard workout. How does cold water help stretched muscles? Cold stops the inflammatory reaction, and it is much easier for the body to restore muscle tissue after this.

A cold bath has almost the same effect as a cold compress or ice pack, which are recommended at the first stage of trauma treatment. To relieve the condition, it is enough to fill the bath with water from the "cold" tap and lower the affected area of the body into it for 10-14 minutes. Such a simple procedure allows you to cut the recovery period in half, and also significantly relieves post-traumatic pain.

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Back Stretching Exercises

The back muscles especially need periodic rest, not to mention that it is extremely undesirable to overload them. The muscles can be damaged by lifting heavy objects or simply by staying in an uncomfortable position for a long time. In order to prevent the occurrence of unpleasant sensations, experts advise regularly doing special gymnastics to improve the tone of the back muscles.

Exercises should be performed softly, without achieving crunching, starting with low-amplitude movements. The best time for gymnastics is evening.

Breathing should be even and deep, and the muscles relaxed.

1. Sit on the floor, spread your legs as wide as possible, tilt your head forward. Gradually pull your chest to the floor, pressing your chin to your neck.
2. Get on all fours, bend your back down and up alternately (like a cat). Take about 4 seconds for one movement, repeat six times.
3. Lie on your back with your knees bent (your feet firmly on the floor). Stretch your arms along your body, palms down. Move your right knee over your left leg, tilt your hips to the right and both knees to the left. Hold for a few seconds at the maximum amplitude and repeat the exercise for the opposite side.
4. Sit on a stool, put your legs together. Turn your upper body and shoulders to the left, with the most comfortable amplitude, wait 20 seconds, then take the starting position. Repeat the same, but to the right side.

Stretching for the back is very useful. If you do such exercises systematically, you can avoid many problems, both with the back muscles and with the spinal column.

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Folk remedies

The following compress will help in treating strained muscles:

• mix 1 liter of water, 500 g of clay and 5 tbsp of vinegar;
• the resulting mass is applied to a gauze napkin and applied to the affected area;
• bandage and fix well;
• change the bandage when the clay dries;
• repeat applying the compress three times.

You can also use this recipe:

• take a cotton or linen napkin and fold it in 4 layers;
• a 2 cm layer of clay is evenly distributed over the napkin;
• fixed with a bandage.

This compress is suitable for use before bed.

There is another proven method:

• pass the peeled onion through a meat grinder and sprinkle with sugar;
• The resulting mass is placed on a gauze napkin and applied to the affected area, 2 times a day, until there is a stable improvement.

Garlic is often used to prepare a compress:

• peel the cloves from two heads of garlic and crush them with a press or a meat grinder;
• pour in 500 ml of apple cider vinegar and 100 ml of vodka;
• insist in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks, stirring occasionally;
• filter, add 15 drops of eucalyptus oil;
• used to apply compresses for muscle pain.

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Herbal treatment

To speed up the healing of stretched muscle fibers, herbalists recommend using the following method: rub a garlic-eucalyptus infusion into the affected area. Peel and thoroughly grind the garlic cloves from one head, add 10 g of crushed eucalyptus leaves. Pour 150 ml of hot water brought to a boil over the mass, leave until cool. Then filter and use for rubbing.

Barberry decoction is also successfully used. Pour 200 ml of milk and a full tablespoon of barberry into a container, boil for 30 minutes, filter. The resulting remedy is taken orally, three times a day, 1 tablespoon between meals.

In addition, to speed up healing, compresses based on lavender or chamomile oils (mixed with water) are successfully used, as well as compresses with arnica and camphor alcohol.

Homeopathy

For muscle, joint pain and sprains, it is recommended to add a number of homeopathic remedies to the basic treatment:

• Aconite 6CH
• Arnica 6CH
• Rus toxicodendron 6SN
• Ruta 6CH

The listed drugs are appropriate to use for muscle pain, aches, numbness, tingling, and night pain.

The preparations are taken 1-7 granules (depending on the age and constitution of the patient), up to 4 times a day for 3-7 days, until stable optimization of well-being. Homeopathic granules have no contraindications for use, they are allowed to be taken at almost any age.

For external use, doctors recommend purchasing 10% arnica ointment or the complex homeopathic drug Traumeel. The ointment is applied in a thin layer to the injured area up to 3 times a day. In case of extensive lesions, the ointment can be applied up to six times a day. It is recommended to apply bandages with ointment at night.

Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment is usually not necessary: stretched muscle fibers return to normal on their own, provided that the basic conditions we discussed above are met: rest, cold, compression, and an elevated position. In some cases, conservative treatment is prescribed using painkillers and/or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Surgical intervention is a method used in cases of complete muscle rupture. In such a situation, the torn muscle area is stitched together.

Recovery from muscle strain

Most cases of muscle injury can be cured by following a specific principle that includes just four factors: rest, cold, tight bandaging and elevation.

You can fully return to sports training after the pain has completely gone away and your movements have been restored. If you start training before you have fully recovered, the likelihood of getting a re-injury increases.

How long does the recovery period last? After a mild sprain, the patient can begin physical exercise in 2-3 weeks. In case of serious injuries, this period can last for several months.

To recover faster, you should provide the injured limb with as much rest as possible, and your body with a sufficient supply of vitamins and other beneficial substances.