Muscle strain is a form of an injury/damage that can take place in a muscle or attached tendon resulting in tearing of muscle fibers. The lay man also refers to this as muscle pull. This can take place in the form of a stretch or tear.

Physiology

The muscles are attached to the skeleton. During a muscle contraction, the tendon gets pulled. This tendon is connected to the bone which also gets affected during a pull. The muscles can stretch to a certain limit beyond which they can be a tear in the muscle fiber.

Cause of muscle strain

People who are actively involved in sports activities are more at a risk of muscle strain than normal people. This is attributed to the fact that athletes put their muscles under constant strain due to which they are more prone to wear and tear causing muscle strain. However, people who are not into sports are also prone to muscle strain as it can happen even while performing mundane, everyday tasks. Some of the most common causes of muscle strains are

• Sudden and fast lifting of heavy objects
• Rigorous exercising
• Sitting or standing suddenly
• Sudden jerk while performing daily tasks.

Signs and Symptoms of muscle strain

One of the most common areas for muscle strain to occur is the place where the muscles join the tough fibrous connective tissue of the tendon. Some of the most common signs and symptoms are

• The affected area may be swollen, red and in case of an injury may also cut open.
• Even the smallest movement is extremely painful to touch. The person is not able to use the muscle or the joints related to the muscle.
• The affected area pains even when the person is resting.
• There is weakness in the affected area or tendon.
• The area is tender to touch.
• There is discoloration, stiffness, pain and bruising around the strained muscle.

Treatment of muscle strain

• Rest- the very first thing to do post a muscle strain is to rest. The person should restrict his/her movement and stop all unnecessary activities which increase the pain. This will also ensure that the strain does not get aggravated.
• Cold fomentation- Application of ice ensures that there is decreased blood flow at the affected site. This helps to numb the pain. However, it is advised that the ice application should not exceed more than 10 – 15 minutes at a time. Do not apply the ice directly. It is advised to wrap it in a tissue or a soft cloth before application so as to avoid freezing the area.
• Compression- Wrap the area tightly with a cloth or bandage as it will reduce the swelling by decreasing the blood flow at the site.
• Elevation- Try to bring the strained part as close to the heart as possible as it ensures that there is no collection of blood at the affected part.
• Pain killer- Pop a pain killer after a meal as it can affectively subside the pain.
• Consult a doctor- If there is no relief in the next 24 hours, its important to seek medical help.

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