A strain is a fairly common injury of a muscle or tendon or both. Tendons attach muscles to bone. An acute strain occurs when a muscle pulls or tears, like when lifting a heavy object awkwardly or even when running or jumping. A chronic strain occurs when a muscle is used repetitively like in gymnastics or continual heavy manual labor. A strain typically causes pain, swelling, muscle spasms and a reduced ability to move the affected muscle. You should not walk on a painful strain, as this will not help the injury.
Treatment
According to MayoClinic.com, self-care of a mild or moderate strain involves protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation. Protection means to immobilize the affected area using a splint, sling or elastic wrap if possible. Don't do activities that cause pain, apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes four times daily for a few days following the injury, use an elastic bandage for compression around the injured area to stop swelling and elevate the injured area above the level of your heart to decrease swelling. After the first couple of days following your injury, you can slowly and gently resume use of the strained area. Mild to moderate strains should get better in a few weeks.
When to Visit Your Doctor
See a doctor if you experience extreme pain when you try to use the affected area, you can't move the injured area, you experience numbness on or around the injured area, or you see significant redness or red lines on the skin around your strain. If you don't improve after several days of self-treatment, it is also a good idea to call your doctor. In some cases of severe strains, surgery may be necessary.
Physical Activity
Don't do activities that cause pain or put any weight on your injury immediately following a strain. Applying pressure that causes pain may worsen the injury. Depending on the location of your strain--for example, if you strained your wrist--walking may be painless, but the activity will not help your injury get better. Physical activity is fine if it does not involve the injured area. For example, if you have a strained hamstring muscle you can still exercise on a stationary bike if you rest your injured leg on a pedal.
Prevention
Strains are common injuries and tend to be mild, though the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons lists some prevention tips. Build muscle strength by doing some strengthening exercises, stretch daily, wear well-fitting shoes, eat a well-balanced diet to nourish your muscles, warm up before athletic activities and wear appropriate protective equipment if you are engaged in a sport.
