Muscle Strains: Long-Term Effects and Recovery Strategies

Muscle strain

Hello Dr.
Hsu: I am an athlete (track and field).
During my second year of junior high, I sustained a hamstring strain during practice.
At that time, I did not receive immediate treatment and only rested for two weeks (it fluctuated between feeling better and worse).
Without fully recovering, I resumed training! Under these circumstances, I continued to run for another two years until my second year of high school when the pain in my leg became increasingly severe, prompting me to stop! After consulting with a physician, I underwent a total of seven X-rays, but none revealed any underlying issues.
The bones appeared normal, and some doctors suggested it was tendonitis and recommended rehabilitation, which I followed for over a year.
However, there has been little improvement.
I also performed heat therapy and stretching at home, but the situation remains the same to this day (it has been nearly six years).
Recently, I have been experiencing frequent pain in my leg while working.
Over time, this has also affected my mental health, leading to depression.
Dr.
Hsu, could you please tell me: Is this a permanent strain? Will it never heal?

A Yao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/12/29

Dr. Xu Zhaoren reply Orthopedics

Muscle strains that do not receive adequate rest for the injured muscle fibers to fully recover, along with repeated injuries, can lead to chronic fibrotic changes in the affected area, making recovery more difficult.
Please undergo continuous rehabilitation treatment for 2-3 months, and if there is no improvement, then return for an orthopedic evaluation.

Reply Date: 2004/12/29

More Info

Muscle strains, particularly in athletes, can have significant long-term effects if not treated properly. Your experience highlights a common issue faced by many athletes: the temptation to return to activity before fully recovering from an injury. This can lead to chronic pain and dysfunction, as you've described.

When a muscle strain occurs, it involves the stretching or tearing of muscle fibers. The severity of the strain can vary from mild (Grade I) to severe (Grade III), where a complete tear occurs. In your case, it seems that the initial injury was not adequately addressed, leading to a cycle of re-injury and chronic pain. This is often referred to as "chronic muscle strain syndrome," where the muscle does not heal properly, resulting in persistent discomfort and functional limitations.

The long-term effects of a muscle strain can include:
1. Chronic Pain: If the muscle is not allowed to heal properly, it can lead to ongoing pain, which may become a part of daily life. This pain can be exacerbated by physical activity, leading to a fear of movement and further deconditioning.

2. Muscle Weakness: Over time, the affected muscle may become weaker due to disuse or improper use during the recovery phase. This can lead to imbalances in strength and flexibility, making the muscle more susceptible to future injuries.

3. Tendonitis: As you mentioned, some physicians suggested tendonitis. This condition occurs when the tendons, which connect muscles to bones, become inflamed due to overuse or improper healing of the muscle. Chronic tendonitis can be difficult to treat and may require a more extended period of rehabilitation.

4. Psychological Impact: Chronic pain can lead to psychological issues, including anxiety and depression. The frustration of not being able to perform at your previous level can significantly affect your mental health, as you've experienced.

To address your situation, it is crucial to adopt a comprehensive recovery strategy:
1. Proper Diagnosis: If X-rays did not reveal any issues, consider further imaging, such as an MRI, which can provide a clearer picture of soft tissue injuries, including muscle and tendon conditions.

2. Physical Therapy: Engaging in a structured physical therapy program can help. A physical therapist can design a rehabilitation program tailored to your specific needs, focusing on strengthening the affected muscles, improving flexibility, and addressing any biomechanical issues that may contribute to your pain.

3. Gradual Return to Activity: Once you have made progress in your rehabilitation, a gradual return to activity is essential. This should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional to avoid re-injury.

4. Pain Management: Consider discussing pain management options with your healthcare provider. This may include medications, injections, or alternative therapies such as acupuncture or massage therapy.

5. Mental Health Support: Given the psychological impact of chronic pain, seeking support from a mental health professional can be beneficial. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to help individuals cope with chronic pain and improve their quality of life.

In conclusion, while it may feel like your injury has become a permanent issue, with the right approach, significant improvement is possible. Recovery from muscle strains can take time, especially if there have been complications. However, with a dedicated rehabilitation plan, you can work towards regaining strength and function, ultimately allowing you to return to the activities you enjoy. Remember, patience and persistence are key in the recovery process.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Muscle Strains: Treatment and Rehabilitation Tips

During a soccer match, I strained my thigh while vigorously chasing the ball. I would like to ask a physician about the treatment and rehabilitation methods for muscle strains. Additionally, do I need to see a doctor for the strain? If I do see a doctor, what kind of treatment ca...

Dr. Pan Yingda reply Rehabilitation
*For general sports injuries, we follow the RICES principle: 1. Resting refers to the injured area, not necessarily lying in bed. 2. Icing should be done for how long? Each session should last 3-5 minutes and can be repeated every 12, 24, or 48 hours, depending on the severity of...

Understanding Arm Issues: Muscle Strains and Their Long-Term Effects

I have recovered from a muscle strain and inflammation caused by exercise. I would like to ask the doctor if this is related to my childhood history of frequent dislocations and strains in my hands. Is it due to poor bone condition or inadequate nerve tissue? Thank you.

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
There may be some correlation, but it should not be a major concern.

Long-Term Lower Back Ligament Strain: Causes, Symptoms, and Recovery Options

Hello, Doctor! Today I went to see a doctor about my lower back, and he said I have a lower back muscle strain (commonly referred to as an internal injury). The doctor mentioned that this could lead to ligament scarring, which over time can cause poor blood circulation and muscle...

Dr. Chen Yongxue reply Orthopedics
Hello, chronic strain in the lower back is often caused by lifestyle habits or work requirements. First, it is important to reduce prolonged periods of maintaining the same position (whether standing or sitting). Additionally, avoid heavy lifting; if lifting is unavoidable, pleas...

Understanding Muscle Strains: Recovery Tips for Sports Injuries

Hello, doctor! After an intense game of badminton, my right arm has been very sore for 4 days. Could this be a muscle strain? How should I manage it? Thank you!

Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. First, apply ice packs for about ten minutes at a time and ensure you get plenty of rest. 2. After the acute phase, switch to heat therapy. If there is still no improvement, consider seeing a re...