Orthopedics-Online

Torn muscle fiber of the forearm

definition

Every muscle in the body consists of many muscle fibers, which in turn are grouped together to form muscle bundles. The muscle fibers are made up of even smaller units called sarcomeres.

When a muscle fiber ruptures, individual muscle fibers tear. This is the case due to excessive stress. On the other hand, when a muscle tears, an entire bundle of muscle fibers tears. There are several muscles on the forearm that can be affected by a ruptured muscle fiber.

Read more about building muscles at: Striated muscles

Causes of a torn muscle fiber in the forearm

The cause of a torn muscle fiber in the forearm is an overload of a certain muscle. A crack occurs primarily when moving with quick, jerky movements and stops. Excessive movement can also tear muscle fibers. The risk of injury is increased by a muscular imbalance or by poor elasticity in the corresponding muscles. Insufficient warm-up training before exercise or a previous injury to the forearm can also lead to a ruptured muscle fiber during subsequent stress. The use of anabolic steroids represents an additional risk factor for a ruptured muscle fiber, as the muscle mass increases unnaturally quickly.

In addition, accidents involving an impact or collision can cause a torn muscle fiber. The main trigger is a heavy blow on a stretched muscle.

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Torn muscle fiber of the forearm from tennis

When playing tennis, a torn muscle fiber on the forearm is a typical injury. This is because this sport involves making quick and jerky movements with the arm. Tennis players are particularly prone to torn muscle fibers if the forearm muscles have not been adequately warmed up beforehand.

Torn hamstring of forearm from golf

Playing golf, like playing tennis, places a very high strain on the muscles of the forearm. Rapid and powerful hitting can easily overstretch the muscles and tear individual muscle fibers. A thorough warm-up of the arm muscles is therefore very important in these sports.

Torn hamstring of forearm from climbing

Climbing puts a lot of strain on the muscles of the arms. Pulling up in different directions puts a lot of strain on both the upper and lower arms. Overloading and the lack of or too short a warm-up of the arms can easily lead to muscle fibers tearing.

Also read on this topic: Torn muscle fiber of the upper arm

Symptoms of a torn muscle fiber in the forearm

If the muscle fiber tears, severe pain in the forearm occurs immediately after the event. These can be felt both under stress and at rest. Every movement of the affected muscle increases the pain. The affected person takes a protective position of the arm in which the pain is least. In addition, a loss of strength in the muscles is one of the typical symptoms. The affected area can be swollen if small blood vessels in addition to the muscle fibers have ruptured, causing a bruise in the muscle. Depending on where this bruise forms, it may also be visible under the skin.

Read more on the subject at: Symptoms of a hamstring torn

Diagnosis of a torn muscle fiber on the forearm

The diagnosis of a torn muscle fiber on the forearm is made by the doctor after a detailed questioning of the patient regarding the specific complaints and a subsequent physical examination. He checks the appearance and function of the forearm. The doctor pays attention to certain signs, such as swelling or redness, and to the extent of the impairment of function. In some cases, an ultrasound examination is also carried out in order to be able to visualize and assess the exact extent of the crack. If there are still doubts about the diagnosis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be necessary.

Therapy of a torn muscle fiber on the forearm

If a torn muscle fiber becomes noticeable through sudden severe pain after a certain movement, or if it is suspected, the activity should be stopped immediately. Immediate cooling and elevation of the forearm can help reduce the formation of bruises and the associated swelling. It is also helpful to use a compression bandage.

Read more on this topic at: Forearm bandage

In order for the muscle to heal properly, it is important to avoid exercise and exertion for several weeks, even after the pain has subsided. If the pain does not subside or has not subsided after a few days, a doctor should definitely be consulted. This can identify the exact extent of the tear and differentiate a muscle fiber tear from a complete muscle tear. In addition to cooling and resting, the doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs if the pain is severe. Usually ibuprofen or diclofenac are used, which can be taken in tablet form.

In any case, it is necessary to take care of the forearm until the pain has disappeared. Then you can start with light movements and light strain, provided that this no longer causes pain. As a rule, sporting activities can be resumed symptom-free after about three to four weeks. In addition, the doctor may prescribe electrotherapy or massage.

If more than 75% of the muscle fibers of a muscle are torn, then in some cases surgical treatment is necessary in which the muscle is sutured. This is also the case with very badly developed bruises. The arm is then immobilized for about 4 weeks.

Read more on the subject at: Therapy of a torn muscle fiber

Taping a torn muscle fiber in the forearm

If the forearm has torn muscle fibers, a kinesio tape can be put on to support the muscles and promote the healing process. On the one hand, the tape serves to stimulate the blood flow to the affected area and thus to contribute to a faster regeneration of the muscle fibers. On the other hand, it should be designed in such a way that precisely the movements of the forearm are supported in which the affected muscle fibers are involved. Despite the tape being applied, the torn muscle fiber must first be healed before sporting activities and other stresses on the forearm can be fully performed again.

Read more on the subject at: Taping a torn hamstring

Further information

Further information on the subject can be found at: