Unit D

Module 9 ~ Lesson 4


 Muscle Injury


The most common muscle complication most people experience is a muscle strain. Muscle size can decrease or atrophy over time if they are not used due to injury, illness, or other complications. When those same fibres are stimulated repetitively, such as in weight training or cardiovascular activity, the muscle will increase in size.

Common muscle injuries include sprains, strains, cramps, and tendonitis. A muscle strain is the stretching or tearing of muscle fibres. A muscle strain can be caused by sports, exercise, a sudden movement, or trying to lift something that is too heavy. Symptoms of a muscle strain include pain, tightness, swelling, tenderness, and an inability to move the muscle very well.
It is important to note that injuries related to athletics are not the only potential problems for the muscular system. A number of muscle disorders, also known as myopathies, may occur that are unrelated to athletics. Muscle disorders can cause weakness, pain, or even paralysis. There may be no known cause for a muscle disorder. Some known causes include genetics, inflammation, or disease.

Read

Read "Complications of the Muscular System" and "Exercise and Muscle Contraction" on pages 344 to 346 of your textbook.