Muscle Sprains & Tears
In Singapore
Dr Chiam Tut Fu
MBBS (Singapore)
MSS (Sports Medicine) (USA)
MMed (OM) (Singapore)
GDOM (Singapore)
DWD (Singapore)
Introduction
Muscle strains and tears are common injuries in sports medicine. They can occur in any muscle but are most prevalent in those that cross two joints, such as the hamstrings and calf muscles. Understanding these injuries can help in prevention, effective treatment, and successful return to activity.
Understanding Muscle Strains and Tears
Muscle strains and tears can occur due to overstretching, overuse, or a forceful contraction, particularly during sports activities. The anatomy involved includes the muscle fibres themselves and the tendons that attach the muscle to bone.
Common causes and risk factors include:
- Overuse: Repeatedly using the same muscle can lead to strains and tears.
- Insufficient Warm-Up: Not properly warming up before physical activity can leave muscles vulnerable to injury.
- Poor Flexibility: Muscles that are not flexible have a higher risk of being strained or torn.
- Muscle Imbalance: When one muscle group is much stronger than its opposing group, the imbalance can lead to a strain.
Types of Muscle Strains and Tears
Muscle strains and tears can occur in various parts of the body, often associated with specific joints. Here are some common types:
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Hamstring Strains
These occur in the three muscles at the back of the thigh. A hamstring strain can happen with activities that involve running, jumping, or sudden stopping and starting.
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Quadriceps Strains
The quadriceps are the large muscles at the front of the thigh. Strains here often occur during sprinting, jumping, or kicking.
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Calf Strains
Also known as a 'pulled calf', this affects the muscles at the back of the lower leg. It's common in sports that involve running and jumping.
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Groin Strains
These strains affect the muscles of the inner thigh. They're common in sports that involve side-to-side movements, such as hockey or football.
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Rotator Cuff Tears
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder. Tears here can occur due to overuse or a sudden injury, often in sports that involve throwing or swimming.
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Bicep Tendon Tears
These can occur at the shoulder or elbow and are common in weightlifting or sports that involve throwing.
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Achilles Tendon Tears
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Tears can occur due to overuse or sudden increases in training intensity, often in running or jumping sports.
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Ankle Sprains and Strains
These injuries can occur when the foot turns inward, placing extreme tension on the ligaments of the outer ankle. They are common in sports that involve running, jumping, or sudden changes in direction.
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Wrist Sprains and Strains
Can occur due to a fall onto an outstretched hand or from repetitive strain, such as in sports that involve throwing or racquet sports.
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Neck Strains and Sprains
May occur due to sudden movements that force the neck into an extreme position, such as in contact sports like football, or from overuse in sports that require constant neck movement.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms of muscle strains and tears include:
- Pain: This is often immediate and located at the site of the injury.
- Swelling: The injured area may become swollen due to inflammation.
- Bruising: Blood vessels may rupture due to the injury, causing bruising.
- Weakness: The affected muscle may be weaker, making it difficult to use.
Diagnosis of Muscle Sprains & Tears
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Medical History
The doctor will ask about the circumstances of the injury and any previous similar injuries.
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Physical Examination
The doctor will examine the injured area for signs of a strain or tear.
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Imaging Tests
In some cases, an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI may be used to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the injury.
Minimally Invasive Treatments We Use To Treat
Muscle Sprains & Tears
An injection that alleviates pain and inflammation associated with musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis and joint pain.
Targeted pain relief in the administered area and reduced inflammation.
Little to no recovery time. Patients may resume their normal activities promptly.
Works well in chronically injured tissues which may have very slow recovery
Anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects
Little or no downtime and patients can walk out after the 30 min procedure
Treats flare-ups of OA pain and swelling with fluid buildup in the knee
Reduces inflammation in the joint
Can quickly relieve these symptoms, usually within 1-3 days
Uses low-level light to stimulate healing. Does not cause your tissues to heat up. LLLT is used to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, reduce inflammation, and promote wound healing.
Painless, Quick, Effective, and No downtime. Patients can return to their normal activities immediately after an LLLT session.
Partnered Programs & Insurance Plans
For Singaporeans, Singapore Permanent Residents and Foreigners.
Please speak to our friendly clinic staff about using your insurance plans.
Dr Chiam Tut Fu
(詹达夫医生)
MBBS (Singapore)
MSS (Sports Medicine) (USA)
MMed (OM) (Singapore)
GDOM (Singapore)
DWD (Singapore)
Dr Chiam is a MOH accredited Specialist in Sports Medicine and has practised medicine for over 30 years.
Dr Chiam Tut Fu obtained his MBBS from National University of Singapore in 1990. He went on to obtain his Masters in Sports Science (Sports Medicine) from the United States Sports Academy, graduating as the year’s outstanding student, and Masters of Medicine (Occupational Medicine) from the National University of Singapore.
Key Interests:
- Non-surgical treatment of sports injuries
- Non-surgical treatment of degenerative conditions
- Nutraceuticals for healthy ageing and exercise performance
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2:00pm – 6:00pm
Sat: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Sun & PH: Closed
