An MRI can be used to diagnose a variety of issues affecting muscles and tendons. Providing detailed information on the location and severity, the scan can help to guide treatment and rehabilitation plans.
Leaving your injuries untreated can mean your muscles are not properly healed and are considerably weaker, resulting in additional strain or further injury to other parts of the body. It may also lead to permanent muscle damage or the degradation of tendons. In more serious cases, it can cause a condition that affects the kidneys, with potentially life-threatening complications.
The muscle and tendon injuries that can be investigated with an MRI include:
- Muscle strain
- Tendon tear
- Tendonitis, caused by an inflammation of the tendon
- Rotator cuff tear
- Ligament tear
The scan can also be used to detect other associated issues, which may cause similar symptoms, like nerve compression.
What are the signs and symptoms of muscle strains?
Strains can affect muscles and tendons and are an incredibly common injury, typically occurring in the lower back, calves, and hamstrings. The injury can range from overstretching a muscle or tendon to a partial or complete tear. The more severe strains may require surgical treatment.
The symptoms can vary depending on the level of the strain:
- Pain or tenderness
- Inflammation or swelling
- Redness
- Limited range of motion
- Weakness
Some patients may feel an intense, stabbing pain that worsens when attempting to move the muscle. Others will experience a slight twinge at the time of injury, followed by some tenderness.
While milder muscle strains can usually be treated at home, remember the acronym R.I.C.E (rest, ice, compression, and elevation), others can worsen over time. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, or if the area starts to become numb or tingly, it is important to get the injury investigated.
Booking a private MRI scan will fast-track your results and provide accurate information about the extent of your injury, so you can return to your day-to-day activities in no time at all.
What are the common causes of muscle strains?
Whether you're competing in a sports event or popping to the shops, we use our muscles every day for a wide variety of activities and strains can occur at any time. This can be as simple as lifting a heavy object or forgetting to warm up before a run.
Some of the common causes of muscle strains include:
- Age - As we get older, our muscles tend to lose flexibility and strength. This makes them more vulnerable to injury.
- Trauma - Strains can be caused by everyday accidents or, more frequently, during contact sports.
- Fatigue - If you over-exercise or don't give your muscles enough time to rest, you are more likely to experience an injury.
- Overuse - Although this tends to affect athletes, any repetitive movement can lead to muscle strain, such as moving house.
Muscle strains in sports:
If you are a professional athlete or an avid gym goer, it is important to look after your muscles. Using the right technique and always stretching after exercise can help to prevent injury.
- Poor conditioning - Weaker muscles are more vulnerable. Maintaining a regular exercise routine can help to prevent muscle strains and tears.
- Improper technique - Using the wrong technique or attempting a weighted gym exercise unsupervised can put a large amount of stress on your muscles and increase the risk of injury.
- Cold muscles - Cold muscles are less efficient and more prone to injury than warm muscles. Following a proper warm-up routine before exercise will increase blood flow and reduce the risk.
With increased demands on performance, from an elite level to a recreational pastime, the more pressure you are putting on your body. Sports and exercise-related injuries can put you out of action and prevent you from doing what you love. Once our expert consultants have identified the extent of the strain, we will work with you to create a tailored sports therapy plan. Our leading health practitioners are here to support you on the road to recovery, including a thorough assessment and quality after-care.
Book your private MRI scan with Pall Mall today.