Strains

Medical Encyclopedia

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Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names Definition Causes Symptoms	First Aid When to Contact a Medical Professional Prevention References

Illustrations

Muscle strain

Treatment for leg strain

Alternative Names Return to top

Pulled muscle

Definition Return to top

A strain is when a muscle becomes overstretched and tears. This painful injury, also called a "pulled muscle," can be caused by an accident, improper use of a muscle, or overuse of a muscle.

Causes Return to top

Excessive physical activity or effort
Improperly warming up before a physical activity
Poor flexibility

Symptoms Return to top

Pain and difficulty moving the injured muscle
Discolored and bruised skin
Swelling

First Aid Return to top

Apply ice immediately to reduce swelling. Wrap the ice in cloth -- avoid using ice directly on the skin. Apply ice for 10 to 15 minutes every 1 hour for the first day. Then, every 3 to 4 hours.
Use ice for the first 3 days. After that, either heat or ice may be helpful.
Rest the pulled muscle for at least a day. If possible, keep the pulled muscle elevated above the level of the heart.
Avoid using a strained muscle while it is still painful. When the pain subsides, start activity slowly and in moderation.

When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top

You are unable to move the muscle.
The injury is bleeding.

Call your doctor if the pain does not go away after several weeks.

Prevention Return to top

Warm-up properly before exercise and sports.
Keep your muscles strong and flexible.

References Return to top

Mercier LR. Sports medicine. In: Mercier LR, ed. Practical Orthopedics. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2008:chap 15.

Cohen I, Jouve C. Trapezius strain. In: Frontera, WR, Silver JK, eds. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 8.

Geiderman JM. General principles of orthopedic injuries. In: Marx J, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. St Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006:chap 46.

Update Date: 5/2/2009

Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9