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Muscle strains are prevalent, painful injuries that can be treated at home with ice, rest, and over-the-counter medications. However, if you’re unable to move a part of your body as usual, it’s essential to see a healthcare provider immediately.
By Able Health I Medically reviewed by Dr. Alireza Estedlal
Page last reviewed: February 2024 I Next review due: February 2026
A muscle strain occurs when one of the muscles is injured, resulting in a tear. This is the most frequent injury affecting athletes. Strains are categorised into three grades to signify their severity. Most individuals can recover using non-prescription medications, basic home treatments such as ice application, and resting the muscles. If pain persists for several weeks or symptoms worsen after the injury, you should consult a practitioner.
There is no difference between strained muscles and pulled muscles. Both terms refer to the same injury, and people use them interchangeably. A torn muscle also describes the same problem. All these terms imply the same kind of injury with similar signs and treatments.
While both muscle strains and hernias can result from overuse, they refer to distinct injuries. Muscle strains occur due to tears in muscle fibres. Unless serious, a muscle strain can be treated at home with ice, rest, and over-the-counter medication.
On the other hand, hernias occur when an internal organ or another body part protrudes through the muscle wall or tissue holding it in position. Usually, hernias don’t resolve on their own, and surgical intervention may be required to correct them.
Many common injuries can lead to muscle pain, which is synonymous with a muscle strain. These include:
If you feel sharp, sudden pain in any part of your body, particularly during physical activity, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.
Everyone is prone to muscle strains. However, they are more common among athletes and active individuals. Those who don’t engage in sports or exercise frequently are still at risk of muscle strain, particularly if they abruptly overexert themselves more than usual.
Muscle strains are highly common and among the most prevalent injuries that individuals incur daily.
A muscle strain arises when a muscle is torn. They are usually painful and can result in additional symptoms, such as muscle weakness and bruising.
Muscles are composed of thousands of tiny fibres entwined together. When you contract your muscles, these fibres tend to stretch and press against each other to enable body movement. Therefore, when muscles are overused, the muscle fibre strands are pushed past their limits, leading to tearing. You’ve probably experienced this if you have tried to use an old bungee cord to hold something in place.
Generally, muscles are like a bungee cord. When new and healthy, bungee cords are stretchier. However, prolonged use or a sudden hard strain can cause the flexible fibres to start pulling apart. This is similar to muscles; strains occur when some muscle fibres are overstretched and torn.
Muscle strains can affect any part of your body. The common areas include:
Muscle strain symptoms usually include:
Muscle strains occur when muscle fibres tear. Common causes include:
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To diagnose a muscle strain, your provider will conduct a physical examination. Be sure to provide details about what you were doing when the symptoms first occurred. Since muscle strains result from physical activities, you should inform them about what caused your injury.
Muscle strains are categorised into the following grades depending on severity:
For severe muscle strains, your provider may recommend imaging tests to assess the injury:
Additionally, these diagnostic tests can be used to check if the injury has damaged surrounding tissues such as ligaments or tendons.
Many cases of muscle strains can be treated with home care approaches, such as:
Muscle strain surgery Muscle strain surgery is rarely a treatment option. However, in severe (Grade 3) strains, it may be necessary to correct the injured muscle. The doctor will inform you of the type of surgery required and what to expect.
Over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Motrin® and Advil®), aspirin, or naproxen (Aleve®), are commonly recommended for muscle strains. Avoid using NSAIDs for over ten consecutive days unless advised by your provider.
Prescription drugs, such as muscle relaxants, are rarely used to treat muscle strains. Your doctor will inform you of the medications to take based on your symptoms.
Based on the severity of the muscle strain, you will likely feel better within a few weeks. Ensure that you consult your doctor before resuming any vigorous physical activity.
Resuming exercise or engaging in sports before the muscles have fully recovered increases the risk of re-injury, potentially causing more damage than the initial strain.
You can successfully prevent muscle strain by stretching and warming up before exercising. An increase in general flexibility helps protect the muscles against future damage. The more flexible you become, the greater the capacity your muscle fibres have to stretch without tearing.
This is similar to how some fabrics are more flexible than others. The reason your favourite jeans have a lot of flexibility is that you have worn them over the years. Conversely, a new pair may need to be stretched several times before becoming comfortable. The muscles in your body function similarly. The more you steadily stretch and work them, the more give and flexibility they have while moving.
You can expect a complete recovery from the injury. Once the muscle heals, you will regain full strength and be able to move properly.
While individuals with more serious strains may experience prolonged symptoms such as muscle weakness, this is usually uncommon.
The duration of a muscle strain depends on the damaged muscle and the severity of the strain. Many cases recover within a few weeks with appropriate home care.
There is no need to miss school or work if you can perform your duties without stressing the injured muscle. Consult your healthcare provider to determine which activities should be avoided during recovery. It’s also important to check with them before resuming any strenuous activities.
The prognosis for a muscle strain is generally positive. However, once you have incurred a muscle strain, you are at a higher risk of re-injury in the future. Ensure that you warm up before playing sports or working out and allow your body to rest and recuperate after vigorous activities.
You should contact your healthcare provider if you experience severe symptoms such as intense pain. Also, if your pain persists after several weeks of home care, it’s important to seek medical assistance.
Seek emergency care immediately if you develop any of these signs and symptoms:
Straining your muscles can be very painful. Nonetheless, the frustration of giving up your favourite sports or activities for several weeks may be more unbearable than the physical discomfort. Giving your muscle enough time to heal is the ideal way to ensure that you can resume doing what you love once it is safe. Never hesitate to call your doctor and ask questions. Even if a muscle strain is common, don’t assume that your case is not unusual.