Muscle Strain vs. Rupture: Symptoms, Causes & When to See a Doctor

Muscle strain or a muscle rupture signals damage to muscle tissue and tendons. Not only does it cause a great deal of pain due to nerve endings being irritated, but it might need to be looked at by a doctor to prevent further damage.

Things You'll Need

• Aspirin or ibuprofen

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Instructions

• 1

  Look at the site of the injury. Bruising, swelling and red skin are all symptoms of a ruptured muscle.

• 2

  Lie down and rest your body. Check to see if the pain is still present. Having pain at the site of the injury, even when rested, is a sign of a pulled muscle.

• 3

  Use the muscle in question. If you are unable to use it at all, you might have a muscle strain. If you are able to move the muscle but it causes a great deal of pain or feels weak, this could also be signs of a muscle rupture.

• 4

  Take an anti-inflammatory, like aspirin or ibuprofen, and wait 24 hours. If there is no relief after those 24 hours, it is very likely you have pulled a muscle and should consider seeing a doctor.