Fibrillar rupture: what it is, causes and treatment

What is a fibrillar rupture?

Fibrillar rupture is a very common muscle tear (also known as sprain), it happens mainly in the soft tissues of the muscles (the muscle fiber) when they are stretched or suffer direct or indirect injuries.

It is one of the various terms of anatomopathological injury to exist, especially in the sports world, where fibrillar ruptures or muscle tears are common, leading topainful injuries with swelling or muscle weakness.

Note: As studied in medical and sports analysis “The rupture occurs at the level of the muscle-tendon junction during maximum physical activity, (sprinters, sprinters, jumpers etc.) due to the action of exceeding the elasticity of the muscular belly”. (1)

Types of fibrillar rupture

Fibrillar ruptures are divided into different degrees, depending on the injury or trauma suffered.

However, do not feel relieved, since the indifferent degrees of their types, are painful. We present the following types of breakage:

1. Grade I

It is the most common and least dangerous degree , it is the result of the elasticity of a muscle at its limit.

It is different from a muscular contracture, since the damage is microscopic in the muscular tissues , although the pain is very frequent and sometimes it would even be confused with a cramp.

Important: Thanks to a study of tears, it is known that “The treatment of these injuries consists of resting the affected muscle and analgesia” . (two)

2. Grade II

It is when the muscle receives a much greater fissure , by forcing its elasticity beyond the limit, which is quite severe.

It can cover a large part of the substance or muscular tissue, approximately 5%, however the pain is persistent and bruising or muscular impotence can be witnessed, which will recover with days of rest.

Note: The same study of tears adds “If the muscle is superficial, 12 to 24 hours later, ecchymosis distal to the injury may appear.” (3)

3. Grade III

Certainly it is not a very common degree, since it refers to the presence of total muscular impotence, it can be the result of sports injuries or a traffic accident.

The muscle turns out to be crushed with the bones by external forces, the muscle fiber is corrupted with the blood vessels around it, and bruises are generated.

Highlights: Injuries of this type heal very slowly, due to the extensive tissue wounds that must be repaired, leading to scarring.

What are the causes of a fibrillar tear?

Fibrillar rupture or injuries of this type have various causes,some are quite frequent, but others are the result of strange diseases or pathologies. We present the most important ones to know:

1. Intense stretching of the muscle

This is the cause of the first degree tear, the intense elongation refers to an abnormal and dangerous stretching of the muscle, the result of the lack of stretching or heating.

It can lead to a muscle fissure, it can contract with a feeling of stiffness and intense pain. Many cases of these injuries have been seen in athletes.

2. Sudden effort

Sudden effort can be closely related to elongation, but this can take our muscles’ ability to act and resist to the greatest possible limit, causing total impotence.

This can affect the tissues and blood vessels in them , not to mention that they create fissures in the cartilage, which in adolescents continues to grow and make unnecessary efforts.

Note: You may feel tingling, swelling, or a feeling of stiffness in the affected muscles, over time, it can also damage tendons and joints.

3. Trauma and injuries

Trauma and injury are merely the main causes of fibrillar rupture. There are multiple types of injuries or trauma, which can be caused by sudden blows, fissures or wounds.

The important thing to know is that this type of injury can affect the joints or dislocations (being joint type) and also be serious for the bones throughout the body (which are bone type).

4. Sedentary life

Sedentary life or not being active or exercising , is risky for daily life. In itself, it is spending most of the time, or the 24 hours that lasts a day, sitting without moving or lying in bed for a long time.

Although there are cases that may vary, due to bone dysfunctions that require special attention (such as a quadriplegic patient), the same is required for common sedentary people.

5. Poor circulation

Poor blood circulation may be related to patients with quadriplegia, paraplegia or cardiovascular problems.

Important: Blood circulation is vital for the oxygenation of the bodyand muscles. The lack of this can cause bruises in the form of cobwebs (especially in the blood veins), in addition to tingling and intense pain in the joints.

6. Nutritional deficiency

The problem of malnutrition is quite serious, especially in those towns or less developed countries, it is certainly a problem worldwide.

Nutritional deficiency means the lack of nutrients, foods rich in iron or vitamins necessary for the growth of the body, muscle and bone strengthening for the development of the human organism.

Note: This is a very common problem that must be attended to urgently, since it is one of the causes of fibrillar ruptures.

7. Diabetes

Diabetes can also be a problem closely related to fibrillar rupture or muscle fissures.

Diabetes, due to the increase in blood sugar, can cause muscle atrophy, which causes a decrease in muscle mass, as well as the resistance and effort that the muscle can exert.

But for these reasons, therapies have been created to motivate patients with diabetes , to promote them to perform adequate exercise and cope with the pathology of diabetes.

Note: It is important to emphasize that “Complications caused by diabetes can be avoided by controlling the level of glucose in the blood, blood pressure (blood pressure)”. (4)

How is a fibrillar tear healed?

Fortunately, treating a fairly common problem, there are various waysto cure fibrillar rupture, considering it an appropriate treatment. We present the most important ways:

1. Application of cold

It is the easiest and most practical method to apply,which is achieved by means of compresses. You should only take acompress or a fairly clean and comfortable cloth. Wrap it in plenty of ice or cold water, in order to apply it to the muscle or the area affected by the tear.

Note: This is achieved due to the Contraction of the blood vessels, controlling the inflammation and decreasing the pain present in the muscle. It is quite effective and is a relief for the person.

2. Save rest

It is necessary to rest during muscle rupture. By personal decision and by recommendation of the specialist doctor.

This helps the muscle to recover,regardless of its degree, strengthening its elasticity again and healing the corrupted tissue. This takes days or weeks, so the person must be patient.

3. Compression bandage or splint

This type of bandage is quite effective in curbing swelling and bruising of blood vessels.

It is used as a compressor for the extremity and to favor the venous return of the tissue,through a highly required pressure. It is a very popular and used bandage, like the splint, a device that makes it possible to immobilize a body part (commonly the joints of the hands).

4. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs

These drugs, consumed moderately and without excess , can relieve persistent pain or inflammation of the affected muscle areas.

To highlight: The most used and demanded analgesics or anti-inflammatories are ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen. It must be remembered that they are consumed by professional medical recommendation.

5. Physical rehabilitation therapies

These physical therapies are especially for those patients with Grade 3 fibrile tears.

Muscle recovery is stimulated, through physical therapies or physiotherapy sessions, with various exercises and healthy activities , called occupational therapies or physiotherapy, which may include swimming, walking and baths with cold water (known as hydrotherapy).

Note:All this in order to recover muscle mobility with minimal and personal efforts. They are run by professionals and specialists.

Key Conclusions

• The fibrillar rupture is a Muscle Tear in the tissues of the muscles themselves.
• It is divided into first, second and third grade.
• Fibrillar rupture is caused by injury or trauma, adding cognitive or cardiovascular diseases related to the muscles.
• The treatment consists of cold compresses, rest or various physical therapies, which are effective and highly recommended.