How long does it take to recover from a broken hamstring?

In daily life, if an unexpected situation occurs, it may cause the instep tendon to rupture. At this time, surgical treatment may be required and sutures must be performed. You should rest in bed for the first few days after the surgery. As you gradually recover, you should exercise appropriately. You can also exercise under the guidance of a rehabilitation doctor. In addition, you should strengthen your diet, which will help you recover quickly.

What to do if the tendon is broken

1. External application

(1) In the early stage after tendon rupture: the patient must apply ice to the affected area. This can effectively alleviate the pain of the disease.

Or spray directly with ethyl chloride for 8-12 seconds. It causes blood vessels to contract, relieves local congestion, lowers tissue temperature, inhibits nerve sensation, and has hemostatic, antipyretic, analgesic, anesthetic and anti-swelling effects. (Editor's note: Ice compress or ethyl chloride spray should be applied on the spot after the injury to be effective. If the above-mentioned refrigerants are not available on the spot, it is more appropriate to use pressure bandage immediately to prevent bleeding or exudation. Heat therapy or other treatment methods can be used after 24 to 48 hours.)

(ii) Middle and late stages: Soak a towel in hot water or place it on the injured area. You can also use a hot water bottle and place it on the injured area. Change it when the heat disappears, apply it for 30 minutes each time, 1-2 times a day. You can also use "Hot Compress Spirit" and "Cold Pain Music", which generally can reach a temperature of 50-60 degrees and can last for about 30 hours. To promote capillary dilation and opening, promote blood and lymphatic circulation and metabolism, relieve muscle spasms and promote trauma recovery.

(3) When the tendon is broken, the affected area can be fixed with adhesive plaster or wooden board. This can effectively enhance stability, prevent tendon movement, increase the pain of the disease, and facilitate the healing of injuries.

2. Manual Therapy

It is recorded in the "Golden Mirror of Medical Tradition: The Essentials of Bone Setting" that massage and ai na are the main methods for treating tendon injuries. The treatment methods for tendon injuries generally focus on pressing, massaging, pushing and holding, supplemented by kneading, pinching, rubbing and rolling. At the same time, according to different situations, you can also use techniques such as pulling and stretching, flexion and pressing, trembling and shaking, rotation and oblique moving (the specific techniques will be introduced by another author due to space limitations) to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, reduce swelling and relieve pain, relax muscles and tendons, loosen adhesions, and soften scars.

3. Drug therapy

1. Topical medications

In the early and middle stages, it is advisable to remove blood stasis and swelling, regulate qi and relieve pain. It is usually applied with blood-removing and analgesic ointments. If the redness and heat are more obvious, it is advisable to eliminate blood stasis, clear heat, detoxify and reduce swelling. Apply Sihuang Powder, Qingying Tuizhong Ointment, etc. frequently. For those with mild symptoms, you can apply safflower oil (available as a ready-made medicine) or elixir oil (a ready-made medicine) to relax the muscles and promote blood circulation.

In the later stage, the main focus is on promoting blood circulation and relieving pain. Commonly used ones include Baozhen ointment (ready-made medicine), Wanying ointment (ready-made medicine), etc. If the muscles are stiff and cramped, you can use Baxian Xiaoyao Decoction or Haitongpi Decoction to fumigate and wash the affected area. It can warm the meridians, relieve pain, and lubricate the joints.

(ii) Oral medication

When the swelling and pain are severe in the early stage of tendon rupture, it is advisable to disperse blood stasis and relieve pain. You can take Yunnan Baiyao (ready-made medicine), Panax notoginseng powder and other pain-relieving and swelling-reducing medicines.

In the middle stage, it is advisable to relax the muscles and promote blood circulation. You can take Shujin Decoction, Shujin Huoxue Decoction, etc.

In the later stage, it is often accompanied by external wind-cold evil, local pain and fatigue, and functional impairment of movement. It is advisable to nourish blood and meridians, dispel wind and relieve numbness. Take Xiaohuo Luodan, Bushen Zhuangjin Decoction, etc. regularly.