Muscle hardening
A calf muscle strain is caused by a strain of the muscles , d. H. through an uninterrupted tension of the same. Frequent causes are excessive stress during sport, incorrect posture or incorrect stress due to relieving posture (e.g. in the case of arthrosis ) and pinched nerves . In addition, injuries, e.g. B. cause muscle hardening by a hematoma or a mineral or vitamin deficiency. In some cases, a psychosomatic component cannot be ruled out - even if this has not yet been conclusively and sufficiently researched.
Muscle hardening occurs when the continuously tense muscle fibers compress the capillaries within the muscles. This leads to a restriction in blood flow, which in turn can lead to persistent inflammation . In order to avoid further injuries, the muscles automatically tense, so that a self-reinforcing effect of tension, reduced blood flow and inflammation occurs.
The most common measure to treat a hardened muscle is a massage to mobilize the tissue (e.g. with a so-called transverse friction ). In addition, the application of warmth (locally or with Kneipp treatments) or acupressure promotes the local blood circulation and reduces tension. The trigger point therapy and stretching exercises aim to eliminate localized muscle tightness.
If the symptoms are severe, anti-inflammatory drugs and central muscle relaxants are also recommended. B. to exclude a possible compartment syndrome .
On average, muscle hardening takes four days to regenerate. Under certain circumstances, however, a hardening of the muscles can persist much longer.
