Abductor strain

introduction

Similar to the much more common adductor strain, abductor strain is one of the typical sports injuries. The abductors include all muscles of the body that move away from the body (Latin abducere = lead away). For example, the small and medium gluteus muscles (gluteus medius / minimus) and the muscles on the outside of the leg cause the leg to be abducted away from the body.

Overloading or jerky unfamiliar movements can strain these muscles. An important criterion of a strain is the intactness of the individual muscle fibers (in contrast to a muscle fiber tear), which allows the strain to heal more quickly, but does not necessarily make it less painful.

causes

Strains are often observed after sudden, very wide, excessive or even uncoordinated movements. reason of Muscle aches are tiny muscle fiber injuriesthrough which it becomes a Bleeding from the smallest blood vessels (Capillaries) into the surrounding tissue. Depending on the amount, this can then turn into one bruise (Hematoma). It is not uncommon for an abductor strain to occur exercise on (sprints, soccer, tennis). Contributing factors are insufficient or even lack of warm-up, a general one overload the muscles or also Overstretching with rapidly changing movements.

Symptoms

One makes itself noticeable Abductor strain mostly whole acute after the triggering event with pulling, depending on the severity, medium to very high severe pain. A short time later it comes to one swelling of the affected area, almost always with a overheat of the tissue:
If you put your hand on the affected area, it feels warm, plump and rather tense. With correct treatment and immobilization, the pain may subside or even go away after a while. However, with movement and appropriate stress, they reappear without delay.

diagnosis

The diagnosis Abductor strain is usually already clinically over a Scan (Palpation) of the muscular area and the description specific pain provided by the patient (anamnesis), usually in combination with a clearly identifiable triggering event.

Diagnostic imaging such as one is rare MRI Investigation necessary. When making a diagnosis and examining it, it is particularly important to exclude some other injuries that require completely different treatment (e.g. arthrosis in the hip joint that is causing the pain; more complete Muscle perforation or tear; … ).
The method of investigation for this is the Ultrasonic (Sonography). In most cases, however, treatment is initially carried out for a few days without further measures and the progression of the pain and swelling is observed (conservative therapy).

therapy

At a Abductor strain (confirmed diagnosis or suspicion) is recommended immediate initial cooling. You should make sure that the ice, cool pack or the like is not placed directly on the skin, as this can lead to hypothermia or even frostbite at this point.

In the further course of the affected muscle as well as possible over a relatively long period of time spared or even be completely immobilized. Any heavy load, especially about the movement that triggered the strain is to avoid.

Similar to slight sore muscles Light, gentle movements can help against the swelling of the muscle and the surrounding tissue and thus have a pain-relieving effect. To support the swelling, we also recommend a Elevation or compression the affected muscle groups. A medical examination is particularly useful if there is a suspicion of another injury (elimination procedure) or if existing severe pain is observed with constant intensity over a long period of time. In the case of slight strains, a medical check-up is usually not necessary.

forecast

Although very painful, the simple abductor strain is one Minor breach, which usually with appropriate cooling and Protection after a few days to weeks heals completely. Very few complications are therefore to be expected. If the load starts again too early, muscle tissue may develop at the injured point permanent scarswhich then make the muscle less resilient for subsequent exertions and subsequently lead to increased injuries in this area.

prophylaxis

To a Abductor strain to avoid one should value one before exercising sufficient, light warm-up program and never rush to start training. Movements that are performed regularly and one good training condition also significantly reduce the risk of a strain.

One helps during training correct technique Avoid injuries of all kinds. Also a good one adapted stretching program should not be left out, as typical muscle shortening and one-sided training increase the risk of strains due to overload. In general, it is also advisable that the muscles are sufficient especially after particular stress Time to regenerate allow. Just like a lack of or one-sided training, it also weakens Overtraining the muscles, making them more prone to strains and other injuries.