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Suddenly, if I say something about injuries, what will you imagine? Most of the people only imagine sprains, bruises, and fractures. But the body sometimes reacts to trauma in an unusual way. One of the unusual things is bone-forming inside a muscle.
It may feel like a science fiction movie, but it’s a real medical condition that affects athletes, accident victims, and sometimes even people with no clear injury history.
In this blog, let’s learn everything you need to know about this condition, like what it is, how it happens, symptoms to watch for, and the best ways to manage it.
What is Myositis Ossificans?
Myositis ossificans is a condition where bone tissue forms inside muscle or other soft tissues after a heavy injury.
The term literally means “muscle inflammation with bone formation.”
There are two types of Myositis ossificans:
Traumatic Myositis Ossificans (MO Circumscripta): This is the most common type. It usually occurs after blunt trauma like a sports injury, car accident, or fall.
Non-Traumatic or Genetic Forms (MO Progressiva): These are very rare and are part of a genetic disorder known as Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP).
Most people with Myositis ossificans experience the first type, so let’s focus on that in this article.
What are the Causes of Myositis Ossificans?
Myositis ossificans is often caused by direct impacts, repetitive injuries, or even complications from fractures or surgery.
In detail, here’s how it happens: When a muscle gets injured, such as from a contusion or a muscle tear, the body responds by sending special cells to the area to repair the damage. Normally, these cells help rebuild healthy muscle tissue.
However, in rare cases, the healing process goes off track. Instead of forming normal muscle, the body mistakenly starts to create bone tissue within the injured muscle. This unusual response can lead to a condition where bone develops in places it shouldn’t, complicating recovery.
Common reasons for myositis ossificans are car accidents, falls, and surgery involving muscles and joints. In rare conditions, intramuscular injections can also be a culprit.
Repeated blows to the same area, common in contact sports or activities like football, rugby, or martial arts, can also trigger the condition.
Signs and Symptoms of Myositis Ossificans
Myositis ossificans can be easily mistaken for a nerve injury at first. But as time goes by, the symptoms get worse instead of better.
- Pain and swelling
- Firm or hard lump in the muscle
- Limited range of motion
- Warmth and tenderness in the area
- In some cases, numbness or tingling if the growth presses on nerves.
Myositis Ossificans tends to affect large muscles that are more prone to direct trauma or repetitive strain. The thigh muscles and the arms are also frequently affected in individuals who engage in heavy lifting or high-impact activities. In addition, the shoulders are another common site, often impacted by blunt trauma or overuse, especially in contact sports or physical labor.
How Myositis Ossificans is Diagnosed?
If you diagnose any myositis ossificans symptoms, you can tell your healthcare provider, and he will examine you.
Your doctor will examine the affected area to check if the pain is still present. It is commonly diagnosed through imaging studies like X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, and CT scans. It can also be diagnosed with a physical examination, patient history, and a biopsy.
Myositis Ossificans Treatment
In most cases, myositis ossificans gets better over time and with proper conservative care.
The first step of treatment involves rest and activity modification. It is important to avoid putting a lot of stress on the affected muscle and to limit movements that cause pain. This allows the body to heal naturally without further irritation.
In managing myositis ossificans, physical therapy plays a key role. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises help maintain joint flexibility and muscle function. A physical therapist can guide the patient through movements that won’t worsen the condition.
Cold and heat therapy can also be effective at different stages of the condition. In the early phase, applying ice helps to reduce swelling and inflammation. Later, as the injury stabilizes, heat therapy can improve blood flow and flexibility in the affected area.
Medications like ibuprofen can reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, this medicine may also slow the progression of abnormal bone growth, especially if started early under medical supervision.
Surgery is only considered in severe cases, such as when the bony mass interferes with joint movement or compresses nerves. Doctors typically recommend waiting until the abnormal bone has fully matured (usually 6 to 12 months after formation).
What should not do?
Certain actions can worsen the condition, including
- Massaging injured muscle
- Returning to sports and strenuous activities too soon
- Pushing a muscle before it’s healed
- Repeated injections into the same muscle
Taking the right precautions during the recovery phase is crucial for proper healing.
Can Myositis Ossificans Be Prevented?
Not all myositis ossificans can be prevented, especially in the case of severe or accidental trauma; proper injury management can reduce the risk.
Using protective gear during sports can help prevent deep muscle bruises and blunt force trauma. At the first sign of injury, applying the R.I.C.E. method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) is vital.
If a large bruise or deep muscle pain develops, seek medical attention early. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications. By staying cautious after muscle injuries and following medical advice, it’s possible to prevent myositis ossificans from developing.
To wrap up,
A simple bruise or strain may bring unexpected complications. So, if any issue starts affecting you, listen to your body, don’t rush recovery, and get proper help when pain remains longer than it should.
If you or someone you know has persistent pain and swelling after an injury, especially if a lump develops, don’t ignore it. Getting the right diagnosis can prevent complications. With the right care, most people recover fully and get back to their normal lives.
