Muscle rupture in the leg – symptoms, causes and rehabilitation
A muscle tear in the leg is a common injury that often occurs in connection with sports, exercise, or contact sports. The injury is caused by the tearing of muscle tissue, which leads to bleeding, swelling, and pain.
What is a muscle tear?
A muscle tear is a partial or complete tear of muscle tissue, often at the junction between muscle and tendon. The injury can be a small tear or a complete rupture. The most common areas are the thigh muscles and calf muscles, but tears can occur in all muscle groups. The risk increases with poor warm-up, previous injuries, age, or cold and tight muscles.
Common causes & risk factors
Muscle tears often occur with explosive movements, incorrect loading or direct force as in contact sports. Overexertion with high training volume, insufficient warm-up and scar tissue from previous injuries also increase the risk. Cold and tight muscles reduce elasticity and make the muscle more vulnerable.
Symptoms
- Sudden stabbing pain in the muscle at the time of injury
- Local swelling, warmth, and redness over the injured area
- Bluish discoloration due to bleeding
- Pain with movement and sometimes even at rest
- Impaired function and strength in the affected muscle
When should you seek medical attention?
If the pain is severe, persists for more than 24 hours, or if you experience significant functional impairment, you should contact your healthcare provider. An extensive rupture may require medical examination to rule out secondary injuries.
Recommended protection & support
In the case of a muscle tear, rapid compression and cold immediately after the injury are crucial to reduce bleeding and swelling. Compression bandages or special protection for the thigh or calf are effective in providing pressure and stability. The combination of compression, cold and elevation (PRICE principle) is a proven emergency measure. Once the acute phase has subsided, a compression support can be used during activity to improve circulation and reduce the risk of recurrence. Regular stretching and rehabilitation training in consultation with a physiotherapist is important to regain strength and prevent new injuries. See all our products for legs, thighs and calves here.
About Skadeguiden – quick guidance in case of complaints
In our Injury Guide, you will receive clear and easy-to-understand information about common injuries, how they occur and what symptoms usually occur. You will also receive recommendations on which protection and aids can relieve your discomfort and help you further in your rehabilitation. All information is based on expert knowledge from our licensed physiotherapist.
For more information about leg, calf and thigh problems, you can read more in the Injury Guide Legs , and you can also go to the Injury Guide main page to read about other injuries and symptoms.
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Find the right protection for your needs
There are several ways to find the right product on our website. For a more personalized selection, you can use our filters and sort by injury, body part or sport. You can also get help from our AI assistant Eir, who is trained on all the content on our website and can help you with product recommendations, fit questions and order-related concerns – 24/7. If you would rather speak directly to our licensed physiotherapist, Ida, you can reach her via email or phone for personal advice and support in your product selection.
