MUSCLE STRAIN

What Is A Muscle Strain?

Muscle strain, otherwise known as a pulled muscle, or even a torn muscle, refers to damage suffered by a muscle or its tendons. These type of strains can occur at any time from placing unnecessary pressure on your muscles during daily activities, with heavy lifting and energetic sports putting more strain than usual on the muscles.

Muscle damage can manifest in the form of muscle fibers and/or tendons tearing. Muscle tearing can also likely damage surrounding small blood vessels, which can cause bleeding, bruising, and pain from the irritated nerve endings around the area.

Symptoms Of Muscle Strain

The symptoms of a muscle strain may include:

1. Pain or discomfort: The most common symptom is pain at the site of the injury. The pain may range from a mild ache to a sharp or stabbing sensation.
2. Muscle stiffness or tightness: The injured muscle may feel stiff or tight, and it may be challenging to move or stretch the muscle without pain.
3. Swelling or bruising: In more severe cases, there may be visible swelling or bruising around the injured area.
4. Muscle weakness: A muscle strain can result in a temporary loss of strength in the affected muscle, making it difficult to perform normal activities.
5. Limited range of motion: Depending on the severity of the strain, there may be reduced flexibility or restricted movement in the injured muscle.

The severity is typically classified into three grades:

Muscle strains can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the injury.

1. Grade 1 Strain: Mild strain with minimal muscle fiber damage. It may cause mild discomfort, minimal loss of strength, and little to no loss of function. The muscle is usually tender, but there is no noticeable swelling or bruising.
2. Grade 2 Strain: Moderate strain with a partial tear of muscle fibers. It may cause more significant pain, noticeable loss of strength, and limited movement or function. Swelling, tenderness, and bruising may be present around the injured area.
3. Grade 3 Strain: Severe strain with a complete tear or rupture of the muscle. It can cause intense pain, significant loss of strength, and complete dysfunction of the affected muscle. Swelling, bruising, and tenderness are typically present.

Treatments For Muscle Strain

Immediate first aid for a muscle strain involves the R.I.C.E. approach:

1. Rest: Avoid activities that cause pain or worsen the strain. Give the muscle time to heal and avoid putting excessive stress on it.
2. Ice: Apply ice packs or cold compresses to the injured area for about 15-20 minutes every few hours for the first 1-2 days. Ice helps reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.
3. Compression: Use an elastic compression bandage to wrap the injured muscle firmly but not too tightly. Compression helps control swelling and provides support to the injured area.
4. Elevation: Elevate the injured muscle above the level of the heart, if possible. This can help reduce swelling.

In most cases, mild to moderate muscle strains can heal with conservative treatment measures, including rest, gentle stretching, and gradual return to activity. Over-the-counter pain medications can be used to manage pain and inflammation.

Severe muscle strains may require medical attention, especially if there is a complete tear or significant loss of function. A healthcare professional can assess the extent of the injury and provide appropriate treatment, which may include physical therapy, immobilization with a brace or splint, and in some cases, surgery to repair the torn muscle or tendon.

If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Specialist in the DFW Metroplex, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.