Aetiology

Muscle injuries can be caused by contusion, strain, or laceration. [9] [10]

More than 90% of all sports-related injuries are either contusions or strains. [10]

A muscle contusion occurs when a muscle is subjected to a sudden, heavy compressive force, such as a direct blow to the muscle. This kind of muscle trauma typically takes place in contact sports, whereas sprinting and jumping are the most common activities associated with muscle strains. [9] [11]

In strains, an excessive tensile force subjected onto the muscle leads to the overstraining of the myofibres and consequently to a rupture near the musculotendinous junction. Muscle strains typically concern the superficial muscles working across 2 joints, such as the rectus femoris, semitendinosus, and gastrocnemius muscles. [11] [12] [13]

Ligament injuries are usually sprains and usually due to excessive tensile force leading to varying grades of sprain.