Muscle Strain
What is it?
A strain occurs when a muscle or the tendon
that attaches it to the bone is overstretched or
torn. Muscle strains are also called pulled
muscles.
Who gets it?
Anyone can strain a muscle. However, people
involved in sports or other forms of strenuous
exercise are more likely to strain a muscle.
What causes it?
Muscles are bunches of fibers that can
contract. Muscle strains usually occur during
activities that require the muscle to tighten
forcefully. The muscle is strained either because
it is not properly stretched, or warmed up, before
the activity; it is too weak; or because the
muscle is already injured and not allowed time to
recover. So, many muscle strains occur during
exercise or sports activities. They can also occur
when lifting heavy objects.
What are the symptoms?
When a muscle is strained, it hurts and is
difficult to move. You may also feel a burning
sensation in the area of the injured muscle, or
feel as though something has "popped." Sometimes
the area of the strained muscle looks bruised or
swells. A strained muscle might spasm, which means
it contracts suddenly and involuntarily, causing
severe pain.
How is it diagnosed?
To diagnose a muscle strain, your doctor will
examine the painful area, and ask how and when the
injury happened. He or she may order other
diagnostic tests, such as x-rays, to rule out any
injury to the bone.
What is the treatment?
Muscle strains are treated with rest, ice,
compression, and elevation, or RICE. You will be
told to rest the injured area to reduce pain and
swelling. If the strain is in the leg or foot
area, you may need to use crutches. Ice packs are
recommended at regular intervals (as recommended
by your doctor) over the first few days after the
injury. Ice causes the blood vessels to constrict,
which reduces inflammation and pain.
Anti-inflammatory medications might also be used
to relieve pain. Compression and elevation help to
reduce swelling. Your doctor may also recommend
physical therapy to speed your recovery. You
should avoid the type of activity that caused the
injury until the muscle is completely healed.
Self-care tips
You can prevent muscle strains by warming up
for at least 10 minutes before participating in
any strenuous exercise or heavy lifting. When you
warm up, you increase the blood circulation to the
muscle and prepare it for exercise. When starting
any new exercise program or sport, it's important
to begin gradually so your muscles are conditioned
for the activity.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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