What is Grade III Muscle Strain?

Ankle sprain

When an individual hurts a muscle, there are several different grades that a doctor uses to define the injury. These different grade categories regarding a muscle sprain help determine treatment and rehabilitation.

Grade III Strain

A Grade III muscle strain is the most severe injury in the sprain category. When an individual suffers a Grade III strain, they have torn or ruptured at least 50 percent of the muscle.

Symptoms

When the muscle first tears or ruptures, you may hear a loud, popping sound or experience a popping sensation. Symptoms connected with a Grade III strain often include swelling, pain and bruising in the area around the injury. These symptoms are often severe and occur immediately. An individual often cannot put any weight on the limb that has been injured. Movement may be limited and an individual often cannot flex or extend the affected joint.

Diagnosis

X-ray of a foot

To properly diagnosis a Grade III muscle strain, a doctor will first examine the injured muscle and joint. After physical examination, the doctor typically orders an X-ray or MRI of the affected area to confirm the grade level of the strain. Additionally, an X-ray can help the doctor determine if there is a bone injury connected with the injured muscle.

Treatment

Therapeutic massage

The primary treatment for a Grade III muscle strain is immobilization. When certain muscles suffer a complete tear or rupture, surgery may be a necessity. During surgery, the doctor may be able to reuse your torn muscle or a cadaver may be needed. A Grade III muscle strain typically takes months to heal. Your doctor may prescribe you an anti-inflammatory to help reduce swelling.

Your doctor may also recommend physical therapy once the swelling and pain have subsided. At physical therapy, you will work on improving the strength of the affected muscle and try to regain your range of motion. A physical therapist may utilize massage, ultrasound, laser or nerve stimulation to treat the affected muscle.

Ultrasound is effective in treating a muscle strain or rehabilitating a muscle after surgery. It helps promote healing. Therapeutic massage is used to stimulate blood flow and break down scar tissue surrounding the strained muscle. This can facilitate healing of the injury without causing any further damage to the area. Nerve stimulation is the application of a mild electric shock to the injured muscle. Research shows that this shock causes the body to increase endorphins, which help reduce pain in the affected muscle.

Common Grade III Strains

Sports often cause Grade III muscle strains. Some of the most common Grade III muscle strains include the quadriceps muscles, hamstring muscles, calf muscles, deltoid muscle and pectoralis muscle.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Sprains and Strains
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Sprained Ankle