Information on Muscle Injury

A muscle strain, or injury, occurs when muscle fibers tear because a part of the body that has been injured has been overstretched. Muscle strains, or injuries, are also known as muscle pulls.

Identification

• The typical symptoms of a muscle injury include pain to a specific part of the body, stiffness, discoloration and bruising around the injured area can occur.

Considerations

• Muscle injuries can occur during strenuous physical activity, but also can occur doing everyday activities. The more muscle use increases a chance of an injury.

Treatment

• A variety of treatments may be used to combat a muscle injury. Treatment options range from simple rest, to applying ice to the injured area, compressing the injured area to reduce swelling and keeping the injured area elevated. Advanced treatment options include cold compression and therapeutic ultrasound therapy.

Prevention/Solution

• The best way to avoid a muscle injury, or strain, is to stretch your muscles prior to any athletic or physical activity.

Expert Insight

• Most muscle injuries are not considered serious and most of these types of injuries will heal on their own.