If the muscle and the sheath around it are torn this is known as intermuscular. The is means that the initial bleeding will take longer to stop especially if you do notice it. However recovery is often faster than intramuscular as the blood and fluids can flow away from the site of injury. You are more likely to see bruising come out with this one.

How can you tell a dead leg?

• There will be pain where there has been impact .
• Swelling and bruising at the site of the injury.
• You may find movement is restricted.

Once two to three days have passed :

• An intramuscular injury will mean that the swelling is unlikely to have gone down.
• An intermuscular injury will mean the bleeding has spread and caused bruising away from the site of the injury.
• If you are more able to contract the muscle you probably have an intermuscular injury.
• Is there a deformation in the muscle or a gap?

A correct diagnosis is vital because if you try to exercise on a complete rupture, or a bad intramuscular injury you can inhibit healing, make things worse or cause permanent disability. If you apply heat and massage in the early stages then you could get Myositis Ossificans (or bone forming within the muscle). This can be very serious.

Contusions are grade 1, 2 or 3 depending on the severity.

How does Grade 1 feel?

• The thigh will be tight.
• Difficulty walking.
• Little or no swelling.
• Trying to straighten the knee against resistance probably won't produce much pain.
• Lying on front and bending the knee should allow you nearly a full range of motion.

How does Grade 2 feel?

• Probably cannot walk properly.
• There will be moments of pain during exercise.
• There may be swelling.
• There will be pain when the injury is pressed.
• Straightening the knee against resistance causes pain.
• Difficulty fully bending the knee.

How does Grade 3 feel?

• You will be unable to walk properly without the aid of crutches.
• You will be in severe pain.
• You will have bad swelling appear immediately.
• A static contraction will be painful and might produce a bulge in the muscle.
• Expect to be out of competition for 3 to twelve weeks.

Useful Products:

• Cold Therapy - apply ice or cold therapy to help ease pain and swelling
• Thigh Supports - use a thigh support or compression bandage, to support soft tissue and retain warmth, until you feel no pain.

Please see the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on how to treat a Dead Leg