lihasvenähdys

Lihasvenähdys, also known as a muscle strain or pulled muscle, is an injury to a muscle or its attaching tendons. It occurs when a muscle is overstretched or torn. This can happen suddenly during physical activity, such as lifting a heavy object, jumping, or running, or it can develop over time due to overuse.

Symptoms of a lihasvenähdys typically include pain in the affected muscle, tenderness when touched, a feeling of tightness or stiffness, and reduced range of motion. In more severe cases, there may be swelling, bruising, and an inability to use the muscle. The severity of a lihasvenähdys can range from a mild strain, where only a few muscle fibers are damaged, to a complete tear of the muscle.

The diagnosis of a lihasvenähdys is usually based on the patient's medical history and a physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays or MRI may be used to rule out other injuries or to assess the extent of the muscle damage.

Treatment for a lihasvenähdys generally involves the RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Rest prevents further injury, ice reduces swelling and pain, compression minimizes swelling, and elevation helps drain excess fluid. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help manage discomfort. For more severe strains, physical therapy may be recommended to help regain strength and flexibility. Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the strain and can range from a few days to several weeks or months. Prevention involves proper warm-up exercises, gradual increase in activity levels, and strengthening exercises to improve muscle resilience.