How To Speed Up Your Muscle Injury Recovery

10 November 2023

A muscle injury of any type can be extremely painful, weaken the body, and make it difficult to proceed with your daily activities. Muscle injuries include a pulled muscle or muscle strain and can occur for various reasons. Speeding muscle recovery time is crucial to carrying on with your life without pain.

Muscle injuries can limit the muscle’s movement, not only in that muscle but in surrounding ones attached via tendons and aponeurosis. Arteries, veins, and nerves penetrate the epimysium (connective tissue sheath surrounding the muscle). When a muscle is damaged, nerve impulses are sent to the brain, signaling pain. Blood flow can be compromised in severe muscle damage, and blood loss into the surrounding tissue can cause a bruise or hematoma.

Skeletal muscles also need signals (impulses) from the nerve cell to contract the muscle fiber. When an injured muscle cuts off these nerve impulses, the muscle cannot perform. In bodybuilding, muscle injury is what builds stronger, larger muscles as new cells fill in the tears. However, extreme damage can lead to serious issues.

How Does A Muscle Injury Happen?

A muscle strain can occur in various ways, each causing a different set of problems. Fatigue will not result in the same pain and damage that extreme exercise can cause.

Any strain on a muscle can reduce motion and cause pain. Minor and moderate injuries are easily treated at home. However, more severe damage (diagnosed as grade 3), such as rotator cuff tears, Achilles ruptures, or hamstring ruptures, might require surgery.

Muscle injury can occur in three different areas: within the muscle, at the connection between the muscle and tendon (most frequent), or in the tendon that attaches the muscle to the bone.

Muscle strains and injuries can happen to anyone. While athletes are more likely to experience these injuries, the general population is also at risk. Acute strains can occur while walking if you lose your footing or slip, throw an item, lift something heavy, jump, run, or lift something improperly.

Muscle injuries include:

Strains: these contraction-induced injuries occur most often when muscles work across multiple joints during rapid acceleration and deceleration more than the tensile forces the muscle fibers can withstand
Contusions: caused by compressive force to the muscle, such as in contact sports collisions that lead to muscle damage with bleeding resulting in a bruise
Lacerations: most often occur due to injuries, such as industrial or traumatic accidents that cut the muscle

Here are some of the most common causes of muscle injury:

Poor Conditioning

Engaging in physical activity when the muscles have not been adequately conditioned can increase the risk of injury.

Improper Exercises

Doing extreme, high-intensity exercises or those your body is not used to can cause exercise-induced muscle damage. The ensuing trauma can lead to inflammation, swelling, increased passive tension, decreased muscle strength, soreness, reduced range of motion, and problems with insulin sensitivity as the muscles are involved in glucose uptake.

Fatigue

Overexertion of the muscle can lead to muscle fatigue, weakening it and making it more susceptible to injury.

Improper Warmup

Working the muscles without preparing them through proper warmup exercises and stretches can cause muscle injury. Lack of flexibility can increase the risk of injury as the muscle fibers are tighter than they should be.

Overuse

Repetitive tasks can cause micro-trauma to the muscles. For example, someone on the computer all day doing repetitive movements with the keys or the mouse may experience muscle pain in the inner elbow or wrist.

Injury

Whether caused by sports or trauma, an injury can result in mild to severe damage to the muscle. Bruising is a sign of bleeding, and while minor bruises are not dangerous, some forms of hematomas can be life-threatening in the case of serious injuries, including when fractures or internal organ damage is present.

Poor Posture

Sitting or standing in the wrong position for a long time can strain the muscles. Muscle strains are more common in the neck, back, shoulders, and hamstrings.

What Can You Do For Muscle Injury?

The treatment you need depends on the severity of the muscle strain. Muscle injury is categorized into three grades as follows:

Grade 1: mild damage to less than 5% of individual muscle fibers, causing minimal loss of motion and strength.
Grade 2: more muscle fibers are affected with increased damage, yet no complete ruptures. The injury can cause significant loss of motion and strength and may take two to three months to heal.
Grade 3: complete muscle or tendon rupture that may require surgery to reattach the damaged tissue.

The tips below can help you speed up recovery from a muscle injury:

Rest

Injured muscles need time to heal, and that means letting them rest. An injured muscle is more vulnerable to further damage, so avoid activities that can further increase the strain.

Sleep

Getting adequate sleep is crucial to muscle recovery, as that is the time when growth hormone and insulin growth factor 1 promote cellular regeneration and tissue repair. Anything less than 7 hours reduces recovery efforts inside the body.

Hydrate

Hydrated muscles heal better than dehydrated ones. Along with water, increasing intake of fruit and vegetables provides additional fluids along with crucial vitamins and minerals the body needs for muscle repair.

Compression

Compression wrapping of the affected area supports and reduces swelling in the injured area. Do not make the compress too tight, which can cut off circulation.

Elevate

Raising the injured muscle above heart level decreases blood flow to the area, helping to reduce swelling. The sooner you can do that, the better it is to speed healing.

Ice

Applying ice packs to an injured muscle immediately can help reduce swelling and pain. Focus on doing it for 15 minutes every hour for the first two to three days (longer if necessary).

HGH Therapy

It has been clinically proven that HGH not only boosts muscle development but also enhances muscle repair and recovery. Find out what is the HGH cost in the US and whether HGH therapy is right for you.

Manual Therapy

Physical therapy targets the damaged muscle to improve circulation, increase mobility, decrease swelling, reduce pain, and promote healing.

Heat

After icing for three days, apply heat a few times daily to restore blood circulation to the area for healing.

Pain Management

There are many ways to manage pain, including over-the-counter medications, prescription painkillers (which can lead to addiction if used long-term), supportive braces, and getting help from a pain management specialist, if needed.

Increase Protein Consumption

Muscles need protein, and eating more protein, along with taking collagen or whey powder supplements, provides the muscles with nutrients to speed the healing process.

Consume Tart Cherry Juice

Studies have shown some benefits of tart cherry juice for reducing inflammation, soreness, and damage to the muscles.

Switch To Low-Impact Exercise During Injury Recovery

Strength and flexibility exercises can help improve strength and range of motion while speeding muscle recovery. A physical therapist can help determine the appropriate exercises for your condition.

Surgery

Serious injuries may require surgical intervention to improve healing. Seek medical help for severe muscle injuries.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections

PRP injections may accelerate muscle tissue regeneration in the damaged area.

Conclusion

Muscle injuries can cause significant pain, bruising, swelling, decreased range of motion, and loss of strength. The pain can be sudden, sporadic, stabbing, achy, ongoing, or combined.

As the muscle heals, stem cells around the injured area regenerate new muscle fibers, and scar tissue forms around the area. Torn muscle tissue may never fully regenerate, making it susceptible to future muscle strains.

Trying the RICE method of rest, ice, compression, and elevation is always the best step to take immediately. A newer recommendation is the PEACE approach, which has you protect the area from further injury by reducing use, elevating to decrease swelling, avoiding anti-inflammatory treatments (ice and NSAIDs) to allow inflammation for healing, compressing the area with a bandage, and educating yourself about the recovery period.

Protecting the muscles from injury is crucial, and giving strained muscles time to heal can reduce the risk of further damage. Seek medical attention if the pain and weakness are ongoing or severe.

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Ankita Tripathy

Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

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Early Signs Of Oral Cancer: What You Need To Know?

Early signs of oral cancer are persistent mouth sores, unexplained bleeding, difficulty swallowing, and changes in voice. In such cases, you must visit an oncologist, an expert who deals with cancer diagnosis and treatment. Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. It can affect the mouth, tongue, gums, and throat. In fact, there are several factors that contribute to its development. These include tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged sun exposure, and infections like HPV. However, early detection plays a crucial role in increasing the chances of successful treatment. Also, it helps in improving outcomes. In this article, you will get details about the early signs of oral cancer and what you should be mindful of. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article. What Is Oral Cancer? Oral cancer is one of the most common forms of neck/head cancer. Generally, it affects people above 60 years of age. In fact, oral cancer first affects your lips, tongue, mouth roof, and mouth floor. Apart from that, it also affects your oropharynx, which is the last part of your tongue. Also, it might affect the roof of your mouth, the sides and the back of your throat, and your tonsils. At first, oral cancer can look like a common problem in your mouth and your lips. For instance, you can see white patches or bleeding sores. Basically, the difference between a common problem and a potential cancer is that the problems do not go away. Here, if you leave the problems without any treatment for a long time, it can spread through your mouth and your throat. Moreover, it will also spread to other areas of your head and neck. 8 Common Warning Signs of Oral Cancer You Shouldn't Ignore Recognizing the early signs of oral cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Here are eight common symptoms you must watch for and discuss with a cancer specialist promptly. 1. Presence of White/Red Patches in the Mouth A classic sign of potential oral cancer is the presence of white or red patches in the mouth without any reason. Patches can occur on the tongue, roof of the mouth, inner cheeks, or gums. Patches can be painful sometimes but are usually asymptomatic. However, you must not ignore them. If you see any of these patches extending more than a few weeks, visit an oncologist for a checkup at Apollo Hospital Belapur. Here, you will get a thorough examination. 2. Persistent Mouth Sores Oral cancer can be indicated by mouth sores that do not heal within two weeks. The sores may be on the tongue, inside the cheeks, or gums, or on the roof of the mouth. However, getting sores in the mouth is quite common. Still, you must let an oncologist evaluate sores that don’t improve. Don’t ignore the sores if they are painless or persistent. It could mean something more serious. 3. Difficulty Swallowing or Chewing Pain or discomfort when swallowing or chewing food may be a sign of oral cancer. When there is a tumor blocking the throat or esophagus, difficulty swallowing or dysphagia often occurs. In some cases, this symptom may be accompanied by a feeling that food gets stuck in the throat or chest. However, if this continues, it is important to see a specialist to help diagnose any underlying health issue early on. 4. Unexplained Bleeding Unexplained bleeding on the inside of the mouth is a cause for concern. It could be blood in your saliva or while you brush your teeth. However, if there is any unexplained bleeding from the gums, tongue, or mouth, you must immediately visit a healthcare professional. Apart from that, bleeding from your gums can be a sign of a minor gum problem. However, if it’s consistent or unusual, it could mean something more serious, such as oral cancer. If you are bleeding, don’t hesitate to visit the best oncologist in Mumbai to get it evaluated. 5. Numbness or Pain in the Mouth or Jaw If you have numbness or persistent pain in the mouth or jaw that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter pain relief, don’t ignore it. This may mean that cancer is affecting the nerves in your mouth or jaw area. This pain can get worse over time and often comes with other symptoms, such as difficulty moving the jaw or feeling fullness in the mouth. Hence, you must consult a medical expert. Basically, the expert can help in figuring out the reason behind it and suggesting reasonable treatment alternatives. 6. Unexplained Weight Loss Sudden weight loss, especially if it is unintentional, can be a sign of a number of health conditions, including oral cancer. Cancer cells can interfere with your body’s metabolism, leading to weight loss. Moreover, if you get sudden weight loss along with other symptoms such as mouth sores, pain, or difficulty swallowing, see a medical expert as soon as possible. Early diagnosis can enhance the prognosis and treatment options for oral cancer. 7. Changes in Voice or Hoarseness If you find that your voice or hoarseness doesn’t go away, it could be because oral cancer is affecting your vocal cords or the area around them. If the hoarseness lasts more than a couple of weeks, it’s a good idea to consult an oncologist. Any change in voice should be evaluated to rule out any serious condition, including oral cancer. 8. Lumps or Swelling in the Neck Signs that the cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes include swelling or lumps in the neck. At first, these lumps may be painless, but they can become tender as the disease progresses. If you see any lumps or swelling in your neck, you should see a doctor right away. An oncologist will evaluate these lumps. Also, the expert will ensure an accurate diagnosis to find whether these lumps are cancerous. Activities that Increase Oral Cancer The following are some of the major activities that increase oral cancer: Smoking (cigarettes, pipes, and cigars) Other tobacco products include chewing tobacco, snuff, water pipes, dip, etc. Drinking excessive amounts of Alcohol daily. Spending a lot of time under the sun without protecting the lips. Having the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Having a history of oral cancer in the family. Detecting Oral Cancer: The Way Forward Recognizing the early signs of oral cancer is critical for effective treatment and improving your overall prognosis. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek professional medical advice promptly. For instance, the Apollo Hospital Belapur, located in Navi Mumbai, is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. It has expert oncologists who specialize in diagnosing and treating oral cancer. You can consult the best oncologist at Apollo Hospital for a thorough evaluation and a personalized treatment plan. Basically, you must stay vigilant and consult an expert as soon as you notice unusual symptoms. This way, you can increase your chances of early detection, ensuring that your oral health remains in the best condition possible. Do you have more suggestions to add on how to detect oral cancer? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below. Read Also: 5 Skin Cancer Warning Symptoms & Early Signs to Know How Talcum Powder & Ovarian Cancer Is Related?

The Ultimate Guide To Finding The Best Dentist In Vaughan

Are you in search of a reliable and skilled dentist in Vaughan to take care of your dental health? Look no further; this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of finding the perfect dentist who meets your needs. We understand that choosing a dentist is a crucial decision for your overall well-being, and we're here to make that choice easier for you. So, are you excited? Let’s get started, then… Why Choosing the Right Dentist Matters Your oral health is intricately connected to your overall health, making it essential to have a trustworthy dentist in your corner. Regular dental check-ups and treatments can prevent dental issues, enhance your smile, and boost your self-confidence. Let's dive into the key factors to consider when searching for the ideal dentist Vaughan. Poor quality dental work is important not only for your oral health but also for your entire body. Dental concerts can go unchecked without a quality dentist, especially the ones who do not leverage the latest technology. You are more likely to feel comfortable and visit them often if you have a great dentist in place. Hence, there is no second thought about changing your dentist after some intervals. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dentist When embarking on your journey to find a dentist in Vaughan, there are several crucial factors to keep in mind. After all, you are trusting your oral health with them. Hence, make sure you make an informed decision and do not hurry while choosing a dentist for yourself. 1. Location and Accessibility Choosing a dentist near your home or workplace can save you time and make it more convenient to attend appointments. Ensure that their office hours align with your schedule, making it easy to get the care you need. 2. Qualifications and Credentials It's vital to check if the dentist has the necessary qualifications and credentials. Look for a dentist who is licensed and a member of reputable dental associations. When it comes to finding the best dentist for you, educational qualifications play an indispensable role. 3. Services Offered to Consider your specific dental needs. Are you looking for general dentistry, orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, or specialized services? Ensure the dentist offers the treatments you require. An ideal dentist will usually provide a range of services that are usually needed for an overall oral health checkup. 4. Experience and Expertise An experienced dentist is more likely to provide effective treatments. Research the dentist's background and the number of years they've been in practice. Both expertise and experience play an integral role in separating a dentist from others. 5. Testimonials And Reviews From Patients Going through testimonials and reviews shared by past patients can offer valuable insights into the dentist's quality of care. It also provides patient satisfaction. 6. Technology and Equipment Modern dental technology can improve the accuracy and comfort of dental procedures. Inquire about the equipment and technology used by the dentist. You might check out the equipment used by other dentists and then come up with a decision. If a dentist doesn’t make use of the latest technology, he is probably missing out on a lot of advancements. 7. Payment Options and Insurance Check if the dentist accepts your insurance plan or offers convenient payment options to ensure affordability. Today, everybody looks for different payment options, and they are not limited to just one option. What’s better than providing patients with the liberty to pay for their free will? 8. Emergency Services Consider whether the dentist offers emergency dental services for unexpected oral health issues. This is just in case something comes up without any signs; you will be saved from unprecedented situations. A dentist’s ability to act as soon as an emergency comes is one of the most appreciated ones. 9. Personal Comfort Your comfort at the dental office is crucial. Evaluate the cleanliness, ambiance, and friendliness of the staff during your initial visit. If you do not find the ultimate comfort at your dentist’s office, there is no point in spending a significant amount of time and money there. Personal comfort is quite important here. Related: Why Going To The Dentist Is A Must The Search Process Finding a dream dentist is not a challenge, although you might need to consider a few factors. There are so many competitors out there that you might get confused. But don’t be! Now that you're aware of the factors to consider, here's a step-by-step guide to finding the perfect dentist in Vaughan: A. Create a List Compile a list of potential dentists in Vaughan based on referrals from friends, family, or online searches. Creating a list is not only the first step to finding a dentist but also the only streamlined way to find out the best dentists in and around your locality. B. Research Thoroughly research each dentist on your list. Check their websites, credentials, and patient reviews. If needed, you might try scrolling through their social media channels and then settle for one that suits your needs perfectly. C. Schedule Consultations Narrow down your list and schedule consultations with your top choices to discuss your dental needs and assess their compatibility. Scheduling appointments is an obvious step, but some might underestimate their importance in finding out the best dentists in Vaughan. D. Ask Questions During the consultations, don't hesitate to ask questions about their experience, treatment options, and payment plans. You might enquire about your appointments, your entire treatment process, and how long it will take to view results. E. Trust Your Instincts Choose the dentist with whom you feel most comfortable and confident. After all, it is always about going as per your instincts. If you do not have a good feeling about a dentist, enquire and avoid them if possible. Conclusion Finding the best dentist in Vaughan is a significant step towards maintaining excellent oral health. By considering location, qualifications, services offered, and personal comfort, you can make an overall informed decision that will benefit your smile and overall well-being. Read Also: Finding A Leading Melbourne Dentist For The Perfect Smile The Differences Between A Dentist and An Orthodontist Emergency Dental Clinic Immediate Care When You Need It Most

What You Eat Affects Your Productivity

You must have heard someone say “you are what you eat” at some point in your life but have you ever wondered what exactly does it mean? We’re all aware that the food we consume fuels our body, yet we tend to focus only on the long-term effects of our eating habits instead of the short term consequences of the decisions we make during lunchtime. Perhaps, our eating choices have a profound effect on our mental performance and productivity levels throughout the day. But how exactly does FOOD have the power to do that? And how can you control your productivity by watching what you eat? If you want to find the answers to all such question, keep on reading this article and we guarantee a lot of things will become clear to you. The Link Between Food And Productivity Our diets have a much greater impact on our productivity than we realize. In fact, eating the wrong foods at the wrong times can turn your day upside down. Essentially, whatever you eat has a way of making its way to your bloodstream and eventually reaching your brain. This is because almost every food item that we eat is broken down into glucose in our bodies. Glucose is a simple carbohydrate that can easily cross into the bloodstream to fuel our entire body and keep our brain awake. So when our body is short on glucose, like on an empty stomach, our brain finds it hard to concentrate, focus and perform. But since everything we eat is eventually broken down into glucose, what difference does it make if we eat a bowl of vegetable salad or two scoops of ice cream? Well, here’s the thing: the ability of a certain food to fuel our body and brain depends on the rate at which it can release glucose into our blood, also called the glycemic index (GI). Foods with a low glycemic index like oats or healthy salads release glucose slowly yet sustainably in the blood, regulating blood sugar levels and optimizing brain activity. On the other hand, foods with a high GI such as white rice an ice cream rapidly release glucose in the bloodstream, providing a burst of energy which the body can use immediately. However, the downside is that you’ll be left unfocused and distracted only after a few hours of eating. Moreover, starchy and sugary foods with high GI can impact sleep cycles and actually kill productivity. A sudden spike in blood sugar level increases insulin production in the pancreases which, in turn, floods the brain with hormones like serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that also acts as a precursor for the sleep hormone melatonin and regulates circadian rhythms which manage the internal clock of the body and the sleep-wake cycles. Thus, aligning your diet with the circadian rhythms allows you to harness your full potential and make the most of the day. How To Improve Cognitive Performance With Food Now that we have established the link between food and productivity, let’s learn how you can attain a greater mental efficiency by watching your diet and tweaking your lifestyle. Here are some research-based strategies worth giving a try. Watch What You Eat Perhaps, the most important thing you need to do is to keep a check on what you eat. Processed and junk foods spike blood sugars and have a negative relationship with productivity. Instead, make such healthier foods readily available and stack them in plain sight since you’re more likely to eat the first thing you see when you’re hungry. Here are some brain fueling foods you should consider: Fish: A classic brain-food, fish is rich in omega 3 fatty acids that are known to optimize brain function and development and maintain overall energy levels. Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate has a high content of caffeine that is a well-known concentration booster. Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds rich in Vitamin E and other antioxidants reduce cell inflammation and prevent cognitive decline. Fruits and vegetables: Most fruits and vegetables have a low glycemic index and hence are excellent brain power foods. Carrots, avocados, and blueberries are some choices you can opt for to increase your brain activity. Don’t Skip Breakfast In a study published by Roy Baumeister in his book, all children in a class were asked to skip breakfast before coming to school. Then, half of them were fed with a healthy breakfast after coming to school and it was observed that these children displayed better learning patterns and behavior than the other lot. When the unfed children were given a healthy snack during mid-day, their performance also improved. This study perfectly depicts the significance of eating proper breakfast every morning so make sure not to skip on this important meal even if you’re running low on time. Have Small Meals Throughout The Day Since unregulated blood sugar levels can suppress productivity, it’s wise not to let your glucose levels hit the bottom throughout the day. Thus, feast on small and frequent meals during the course of the day to maintain consistent blood sugar levels. You can have small portions of meals during lunch and dinner time and supplement them with 2 healthy snacks at mid-day and evening to fuel your brain more efficiently. Plan Your Meals Beforehand Last-minute eating decisions are not always the best ones since you’re more likely to cave in on unhealthy food cravings that are quite an inefficient source of energy. Hence, it’s good to plan your meals before you get hungry so that you don’t make unhealthy food choices later on. You can prepare your weekly meals over the weekend to save time on weekdays and stay away from ordering unhealthy food out of sheer laziness. Or you can order weekly meal sets from healthy food delivery services like ActivEats if you don’t have the time to cook for yourself. Perhaps, the key to productivity is in your own hands and making subtle changes in your lifestyle and eating habits like those mentioned above can be a step closer to achieving maximum productivity. Read Also: Eating Good Quality Foods For Diet Love Who You Are: How To Prevent Eating Disorders