What are muscle strains?

Muscle strains are injuries to muscle tissues. Such tissues become overstretched, partially torn, or even fully torn in severe cases. Common areas of the body prone to strains include your lower back and hamstring muscles in your thigh.

Strains are injuries to muscles or bands of tissues attaching bones to muscles. In comparison, sprains are injuries to bands of tissues that connect two bones together.

While mild muscle strains often heal with rest and home remedies, severe strains may need medical intervention, including surgery in some cases. 

What are the symptoms of muscle strains?

Symptoms commonly associated with muscle strains include:

• Redness
• Bruising
• Pain
• Swelling 
• Tenderness
• Reduced range of motion
• Muscle weakness
• Muscle spasms

Your symptoms might be mild to severe, depending on the type of injury you sustain. If your symptoms don’t resolve or are severe, see the team at Pain Medicine Group for an evaluation.

What may increase my risk of muscle strains?

Factors that may increase your risk of muscle strains include:

• Poor body mechanics while lifting
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Playing contact sports
• Improper sports training
• Jumping
• Cutting
• Pivoting

Sports that seem to increase the risk of muscle strains include hockey, football, wrestling, soccer, basketball, golf, and gymnastics. 

Prevention measures involve proper sports training, routine stretching and warming up, and not overtraining. Exercise regularly and use proper form when lifting anything heavy. 

How are muscle strains diagnosed?

The Pain Medicine Group specialists diagnose muscle strains after discussing your medical history, injury, and symptoms. They examine painful areas of your body during a physical exam to check for tenderness, bruising, and swelling. You might need an ultrasound to determine the specific injury you have and its severity.

How are muscle strains treated?

Treatments for muscle strains include:

• Rest
• Ice
• Elevation
• Compression
• Bracing
• Splinting
• Medications
• Physical therapy
• Surgery

Your Pain Medicine Group provider follows up with you to ensure effective healing. It’s also important to eat nutritious foods, get plenty of sleep, and ease back into physical activity as directed by your specialist. Avoid strenuous activity until given the okay.

Schedule an evaluation at Pain Medicine Group by phone or book one online today to get evaluated or treated for muscle strains.