Content
Stoned syndrome is a situation characterized by the stretching of the calf muscle, which leads to the appearance of symptoms such as difficulty in supporting the weight of the body on the heel or instep and severe and severe pain in the calf, which is mainly noticed during performing some intense physical exercise, such as running, for example.
To relieve the severe pain of muscle stretching, one should immediately stop the activity and lie down by placing the sore leg at rest on a pillow on the sofa or bed. It is recommended to place an ice pack on the exact site of the pain, allowing it to act for about 20 minutes, but taking care not to burn the skin. However, if the pain does not subside after a few days, it is important to consult the doctor or physiotherapist so that the most appropriate treatment is indicated.
Stones syndrome symptoms
Symptoms of stoned syndrome usually appear during high-intensity exercise due to stretching the calf muscle, the main symptoms being:
- Pain in the calf, strong and sudden;
- Feeling of having been hit with a stone in the calf;
- Formation of a hematoma (purple mark) at the pain site;
- Difficulty in supporting the body weight on the heel or instep;
- Hardening of the affected site;
- A 'ball' or lump may form at the site of the pain and hematoma.
The pain is so severe that the person is unable to continue his exercise and has to stop due to local discomfort, making it difficult even to walk. The presence of the hematoma indicates the rupture of blood vessels, being more severe than a common muscle strain.
The location most affected by the stone syndrome is the meeting point between the medial gastrocnemius muscle, located in the potato region of the leg, more in the middle of the leg and its tendon.
How treatment should be
Initially the treatment for the stone syndrome can be only with rest and application of ice in the place for about 20 minutes. However, when the pain is constant and does not improve over time, it is important to consult the orthopedist to confirm the stretch.
Thus, the doctor may indicate, in addition to rest, the use of a knee brace and crutches to prevent the movement of the calf muscles and the use of anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants, in addition to the performance of some physical therapy sessions, for pain relief and improved muscle function. Physiotherapeutic treatment can be done with some measures such as:
- Cryotherapy using ice water, ice packs or cryoflow up to 48 hours after the injury;
- Use of thermotherapy with hot water or infrared bags;
- Apparatus such as ultrasound, TENS and laser;
- Passive and then active stretching exercises;
- Muscle strengthening and proprioception exercises.
Muscle repair usually begins 10 days after the injury, but by decreasing inflammation, this repair can begin sooner. Stretching should be performed initially, in a gentle way and therapeutic massage can help to undo fibrosis, reducing the 'lump' and pain. Muscle strengthening exercises and proprioception are indicated for the last phase of recovery and must be performed to ensure that the muscle is healthy, strong and able to return to physical activity.
Recovery time
The recovery time for the stone syndrome varies between 2 weeks to 1 year, depending on the severity of the stretch:
- Grade 1- Light muscle strain: 2 weeks
- Grade 2 - Moderate muscle stretching: 8 to 10 weeks;
- Grade 3 - muscle rupture: 6 months to 1 year.
The ultrasound or magnetic resonance exam may show the degree of the stretch that the person suffered.
How to prevent
To prevent this type of muscle strain from happening again, which is relatively common, it is necessary to investigate what caused the first injury. Some common causes are over-training and short break time, muscle compensations, lack of flexibility and the type of step, which can be identified and treated with physical therapy.
After the first stretch, the muscle fibers of the site will be differentiated due to the appearance of a fibrous tissue, important for healing, but which can hinder the complete stretching of these muscle fibers, compromising flexibility, favoring new injuries. Fibrosis can also be resolved with physiotherapy sessions.