According to the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, a pulled leg muscle is a partial tear of the muscle fibers in the leg. This often occurs during sudden stress on the legs, from overuse or while stretching leg muscles too far. Athletes are especially susceptible to pulled leg muscles, but sedentary people who suddenly engage in activity are also at risk. Most pulled leg muscles can be treated at home, but a doctor should be consulted if symptoms do not improve after 3 days.
Ice
It is important to apply ice to a pulled leg muscle as soon as possible after suffering the injury. According to the NYU Langone Medical Center, ice makes the blood vessels constrict, reducing inflammation and pain. This can also speed healing time. Ice should be applied for 20 minutes, four times per day, for at least 3 days after the leg muscle is pulled. Heat should not be applied to the pulled muscle at all during the first 5 days. After the leg muscle is healed, heat can be used while warming up the muscle for activity.
Compression
Wrapping a pulled leg muscle with an elastic compression bandage can help keep swelling down. The bandage should be snug but no so tight that it cuts off circulation in the leg. The elastic compression bandage should be worn while not icing the leg during the 3 days following the injury.
Elevation
The University of Sports Medicine recommends elevating the injured leg on top of a pillow when lying down. This reduces the blood flow to the injured leg and helps prevent the leg from swelling. This should be done periodically for the first 3 days following the injury.
Medication
Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen may be effective for alleviating the discomfort of a pulled leg muscle. Medications like aspirin and ibuprofen are anti-inflammatory drugs and can help reduce swelling.
Rest
A pulled leg muscle must be allowed to heal completely. Activity should be reduced as much as possible while pain, swelling and tightness persist. If walking is difficult, crutches or a wheelchair should be used to get around. Strenuous activity like running and weightlifting should not be attempted until all pain is gone.
Stretching
Light stretching of the pulled leg muscle can speed healing. It should not be attempted until severe pain is gone. The NYU Langone Medical Center recommends holding light leg stretches for about 10 seconds, then resting for a few seconds; this should be repeated six times in a row. These stretches should be performed between four and six times per day until the pulled leg muscles is fully healed.
