Grade I strains heal within a few weeks. Grade II strains can take up to 3 months or longer. Grade III strains may require surgery and months of rehabilitation.

Do muscles take longer to heal with age?

Baltimore, MD— As we age, the function and regenerative abilities of skeletal muscles deteriorate, which means it is difficult for the elderly to recover from injury or surgery.

How long does it take to get over strained muscle?

For a mild strain, you may be able to return to normal activities within three to six weeks with basic home care. For more severe strains, recovery can take several months. In severe cases, surgical repair and physical therapy may be necessary. With proper treatment, most people recover completely.

How can I speed up the healing of a pulled muscle?

Your doctor may recommend the following at-home treatments:

1. Rest. Rest the muscle for a few days or until your doctor gives you the okay.
2. Ice. Apply ice to the injury for 20 minutes each hour you’re awake.
3. Compression. Wrapping the muscle with an elastic bandage can help bring down swelling.
4. Elevation.
5. Medication.
6. Heat.

How long can a muscle strain last if untreated?

For a mild strain, you may be able to return to normal activities within three to six weeks with basic home care. For more severe strains, recovery can take several months.

Why does it take longer for elderly to heal?

” The body’s capacity to repair the skin diminishes as we get older. There aren’t as many growth factors and stem cells in the skin. Chronic disease, especially blood vessel disease, and malnutrition can also slow the healing process,” says Dr.

Can some injuries take years to heal?

Unfortunately, after a catastrophic injury or car crash, you might notice that some of your conditions take longer to heal. While complications can occur in any injury, crash victims with brain, neck, back, knee, shoulder, and other joint issues typically have longer healing times.

What is the recommended treatment for muscle strain?

Rest the strained muscle and apply ice for the first few days after the injury. Anti-inflammatory medicines or acetaminophen (Tylenol) also help reduce pain and swelling. As the pain decreases, you can use heat on the muscle. Stretching and light exercises to bring blood to the injured area can also be useful.

How long does it take for a strained back to heal?

Back muscle strains typically heal with time, many within a few days, and most within 3 to 4 weeks. Most patients with mild or moderate lumbar strains make a full recovery and are free of symptoms within days, weeks, or possibly months.

Can muscle pain last for months?

Muscle pain can involve a small area or your whole body, ranging from mild to excruciating. Although most muscle aches and pains go away on their own within a short time, sometimes muscle pain can linger for months.

Can a muscle tear heal on its own?

Normal activities can be resumed when a full range of motion returns without accompanying pain. Moderate tears may require physical therapy. A severe tear that requires surgical repair can take months or longer to heal. In this case, remember the adage: Do no H.A.R.M.

How does age affect injury recovery?

Although the elderly can heal most wounds, they have a slower healing process, and all phases of wound healing are affected. The inflammatory response is decreased or delayed, as is the proliferative response. Remodeling occurs, but to a lesser degree, and the collagen formed is qualitatively different.

How long does muscle pain last?

Muscle aches may come on six to 12 hours after a workout and last up to 48 hours. You feel pain as the muscles heal and get stronger.

How do you tell the difference between a pulled muscle and a torn muscle?

A muscle strain is an injury that occurs when a muscle or a tendon is overstretched. A muscle tear is when a muscle or a tendon is overstretched and it tears.

Does muscle strain get worse before it gets better?

Usually the process peaks 48-72 hours after injury, which is why pain often gets worse before it gets better. Inflammation is actually the bodies way of setting up the healing process.

Is it better to rest or exercise a pulled muscle?

“ The most important treatment for acute muscle strain is rest,” he explains. “Continuing to stress a pulled muscle could result in further damage to muscle and a much longer healing time. 15