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If you suspect you have a torn muscle, you should consider seeing an orthopedic doctor, also known as an orthopedist. Orthopedists are specialists in injuries of the musculoskeletal system, encompassing muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. They can diagnose and treat injuries arising from sports, physical activity, overuse, aging, and more. Orthopedic doctors can perform surgical or nonsurgical treatments, typically opting for the latter first, such as recommending pain medications, splints, or physical therapy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Specialisation | Orthopedic doctors specialise in injuries of the musculoskeletal system, which includes muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. |
| Treatment | Orthopedic doctors may suggest nonsurgical treatments such as pain medications, splints or braces, physical therapy, or other options before a surgical procedure. |
| When to see an orthopedic doctor | If you have muscle pain as the result of an injury or condition, or even if you have no idea how it started. If you have persistent muscle pain that does not improve with self-care or over-the-counter treatments. |
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What You'll Learn
Orthopedic doctors
If you are experiencing persistent muscle pain that does not improve with self-care or over-the-counter pain medication, it may be time to seek medical advice. Muscle pain caused by exercise, sports, repetitive stress, or impact injuries is particularly common and usually localized. Fatigue, poor conditioning, dehydration, and improper warm-up can contribute to muscle pain and injuries.
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Sports medicine specialists
If you have a torn muscle, it is important to seek medical advice to prevent further damage and receive appropriate treatment. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may need to see a specialist, such as a sports medicine specialist, who can provide a comprehensive evaluation and determine the best course of action for your recovery.
When choosing a sports medicine specialist, it is essential to select one with extensive experience and knowledge in the field. For example, Dr. Stuart Springer, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in New York, has over 40 years of clinical experience. He treats a wide range of muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries and develops personalized treatment plans for each patient.
In addition to private practices, some sports medicine specialists are affiliated with sports performance centers or schools to provide sports medicine services to student-athletes and prevent injuries. These specialists work closely with athletes and their families to enhance overall well-being, health, and athletic performance. They may also offer resources such as online guides to sports medicine, providing valuable information on injury treatments, prevention strategies, and performance enhancement tips.
If you are experiencing muscle pain or injury, consider consulting with a sports medicine specialist. They can provide a thorough evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and tailored treatment plan to address your specific needs and facilitate your recovery. Remember that prompt diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial to safely and quickly returning to your chosen sport or activity.
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Hand surgeons
A torn muscle, also referred to as a muscle strain, can vary in severity. A mild muscle strain involves a simple strain affecting 5% of a muscle's fibres, while a moderate strain affects up to 25-30% of the muscle fibres and is accompanied by swelling and pain. A severe muscle strain, or a complete muscle tear, involves the muscle rupturing and may require surgery to repair it.
Orthopedic doctors specialise in treating torn muscles and other orthopedic injuries. They can be found at clinics specialising in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine.
When a tendon is torn or cut, the ends of the tendon are often pulled apart, making it impossible for the tendon to heal on its own. Hand surgeons repair torn tendons by stitching the two ends of the tendon back together. Surgery is typically performed within 7 to 10 days after the injury, and the sooner it is performed, the better the recovery is likely to be.
In some cases, a partially torn tendon may not require surgery. Nonsurgical treatment options include splinting and exercise programs that can be effective for patients with partial tears. However, it is important to note that flexor tendon injuries can be challenging to treat, and patients should seek prompt medical attention if they suspect they have a flexor tendon injury.
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Nonsurgical treatments
If you have a torn muscle, you should visit an orthopedic physician. They will ask about your medical history and what caused the injury. They will then examine the spot, which may be bruised and swollen, and test the muscle for strength and range of motion.
Most muscle strains can be treated at home and do not require surgery. The RICE method is often used to relieve pain and inflammation:
- Rest: Stop moving the affected area to prevent further injury. Rest until the pain improves, then try light stretches and easy activities.
- Ice: Apply ice to the injury to reduce swelling and bleeding. Start with 10–15 minutes each hour for the first day, then every 3–4 hours on the following days. Wrap the ice pack in a towel to protect your skin.
- Compression: Use a compression bandage to provide support and reduce swelling.
- Elevation: Keep the pulled muscle elevated above your heart when sitting or lying down to reduce swelling.
You can also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen or ibuprofen to reduce pain and improve mobility. However, do not take NSAIDs if you have kidney disease, a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, or are taking a blood thinner.
Your doctor may also recommend alternative treatments such as chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation, acupuncture, or myofascial release (a type of massage that focuses on releasing muscle tension).
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Surgical treatments
Muscle repair surgery involves reattaching the torn muscle ends to restore its integrity. Surgeons use sutures or anchors to secure the muscle back into its original position.
Tendon transfer surgery is performed when the muscle is severely damaged or irreparable. This procedure involves taking a healthy tendon from another part of the body and using it to replace the torn muscle, thus restoring functionality.
Following surgery, a structured rehabilitation program is crucial for optimal recovery. Orthopaedic surgeons and physical therapists will collaborate to create a customized plan tailored to the patient's specific needs.
For athletes with completely ruptured muscles, surgery followed by rehabilitation may enable them to return to their previous level of competition. However, it is important to note that scar tissue forms at the site of injury, increasing the susceptibility to reinjury.
Orthopaedic surgeons and sports medicine specialists are the types of doctors who can treat torn muscles. They perform comprehensive physical examinations and diagnostic tests such as MRI or ultrasound to accurately assess the injury and determine the most suitable treatment plan.
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Frequently asked questions
Orthopedic doctors, also known as orthopedists, treat torn muscles.
Orthopedic doctors specialize in injuries of the musculoskeletal system, which includes muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. They treat patients of all ages and can perform surgical or nonsurgical treatments.
Symptoms of a torn muscle include localized pain, swelling, cramping, muscle spasms, and muscle weakness.
If you are experiencing symptoms of a torn muscle, you should seek medical advice to prevent further damage and receive appropriate treatment. If the pain is making your life difficult, it is best to make an appointment with an orthopedic doctor.
