A muscle tear/strain typically occurs when the muscle is explosively and forcibly contracted. These tears are very common in the upper leg, as this region consists of large muscle groups which are activated to produce movement especially during exercise. Quadriceps, hip flexor and the hamstring are all primary muscle movers during activity and can potentially cause excessive strain and tearing of the muscle fibres during contraction. The tearing frequently occurs near the point where the muscle joins the tough, fibrous connective tissue of the tendon. Activities such as sprinting, kicking and running are the most common causes of the above upper leg musculature to tear/strain.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Pain is sudden and severe with a feeling of snapping or popping sensation in the involved muscle.
- Swelling during the first few hours after injury.
- Bruising or discoloration of the injured area over the first few days.
- Pain at rest or once muscle is cooled after injury.
- Pain when the specific muscle or the joint in relation to that muscle is used.
- Weakness of the muscle or tendons.
- Inability to use the muscle at all causing altered gait or limping.