| Login | Register
LIVESTRONG.COM Blog: 10 Mistakes People Make in the Gym with DietTribe's Jessie Pavelka
  • Food & Fitness
  • Members

Strains

Text size:  |  Print  |   | 

What is Strains ?

A strain is when a muscle becomes overstretched and tears. This painful injury, also called a "pulled muscle," can be caused by an accident, improper use of a muscle, or overuse of a muscle.



Alternative names

Pulled muscle



Causes

Excessive physical activity or effort Improperly warming up before a physical activity Poor flexibility



What is Strains ?

A strain is when a muscle becomes overstretched and tears. This painful injury, also called a "pulled muscle," can be caused by an accident, improper use of a muscle, or overuse of a muscle.

Alternative names

Pulled muscle

Causes

  • Excessive physical activity or effort
  • Improperly warming up before a physical activity
  • Poor flexibility

Symptoms & Signs

  • Pain and difficulty moving the injured muscle
  • Discolored and bruised skin
  • Swelling

First Aid

  • Apply ice immediately to reduce swelling. Wrap the ice in cloth -- avoid using ice directly on the skin. Apply ice for 10 to 15 minutes every 1 hour for the first day. Then, every 3 to 4 hours.
  • Use ice for the first 3 days. After that, either heat or ice may be helpful.
  • Rest the pulled muscle for at least a day. If possible, keep the pulled muscle elevated above the level of the heart.
  • Avoid using a strained muscle while it is still painful. When the pain subsides, start activity slowly and in moderation.

When to contact a medical professional

  • You are unable to move the muscle.
  • The injury is bleeding.

Call your doctor if the pain does not go away after several weeks.

Prevention

  • Warm-up properly before exercise and sports.
  • Keep your muscles strong and flexible.

References

Mercier LR. Sports medicine. In: Mercier LR, ed. Practical Orthopedics. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2008:chap 15.

Cohen I, Jouve C. Trapezius strain. In: Frontera, WR, Silver JK, eds. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 8.

Geiderman JM. General principles of orthopedic injuries. In: Marx J, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. St Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006:chap 46.

Content provided by:

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Review Date: .5/2/2009

Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.5/2/2009

Strains Videos

Strains Articles

Show More

Images provided by Google

Related Symptoms

  • Joint pain

    Joint pain can affect one or more joints.See also:Arthritis (inflammation of joints)BursitisMuscle pain

Related Drugs

  • Carisoprodol

    This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

  • Chlorzoxazone

    This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

  • Metaxalone

    This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

  • Methocarbamol Oral

    This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Show More

Related Diseases

  • Disseminated tuberculosis

    Disseminated tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that has spread from the lungs to other parts of t...

  • Umbilical hernia

    An umbilical hernia is an outward bulging (protrusion) of the abdominal lining or part of the abdominal organ(s) thro...

  • Scalded skin syndrome

    Scalded skin syndrome is a skin infection in which the skin becomes damaged and sheds.

  • Chlamydial urethritis - male

    Chlamydial urethritis is a sexually transmitted disease involving infection of the urethra (the tube that drains urin...

  • Strep throat

    Strep throat is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. It is the most common bacterial infection of the throat.

  • Pulmonary tuberculosis

    Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that mainly involves the lungs, but may spread to oth...

Show More

Related Exercises and Activities

Washing - taking shower

...musculoskeletal problems such as muscle strains or arthritis. The warmth from the water helps loosen sore muscles,...

Treadmill - level @ 3 mph

...ratchet up your workout without fear of strains.

Conversations On Strains

  • Progress Pics and Muscle Strains...

    ...great.... other than the fact that I've strained my quad muscle. Ouch. Running is hard on the body! I've been pushing through it all week, but today I'm having a really hard time walking in high...

    • Posted On September 25, 2009 12:02:20 PM

      Good for you! How do we get to see the pics? Sometimes, getting an outsider's opinion is good I am also taking the day off today as my lovely fiancé has enrolled me in a friendly squash t... Read More

    • Posted On September 26, 2009 08:12:25 AM

      Just click on my name and it takes you to my profile. My pics should be on the left I think.   i have heard Epsom works well - I will have to see if I can get some today, because I really wa... Read More

  • Muscle strains

    Well, today my arms are KILLING me ...especially my biceps. It hurts to extend both arms, but it hurts to keep them bent, too. My left thigh is still bugging me...and today at work I bent over, fel...

    • Posted On July 18, 2007 06:20:07 PM

      Listen to your body. If it is telling you to take it easy then I would definitely take it easy. My arms are still a bit sore from the workout I did on Monday. I didn't do any work with them yest... Read More

    • Posted On July 18, 2007 06:59:24 PM

      Jant's right - you won't do yourself any good if you're laid up. You've been working hard and doing great - your body will tell you when it's time to back off. Best to listen to it. Read More

  • Calf Strain

    I finished my run on monday with a calf strain from the combination of the hills and speed I've been doing. I've been running every day for the past three weeks, when usually I only run every other...

    • Posted On May 8, 2008 07:32:12 AM

      ...reatment/Information_About_Treatment_of_Strains_Sprains.htm Taking it easy and treating the injury will be the fastest way for you to get back to running. Good luck. Read More

    • Posted On May 8, 2008 07:32:12 AM

      ...reatment/Information_About_Treatment_of_Strains_Sprains.htm Taking it easy and treating the injury will be the fastest way for you to get back to running. Good luck. Read More

  • Effect of Protein


    • Posted On January 12, 2008 10:37:10 PM

      ... and bone calcium. The dehydration also strains your kidneys and puts stress on your heart. Protein should also make up approximately 15% of your total daily caloric intake, also according to th... Read More

    • Posted On January 9, 2008 02:44:31 PM

      Is there a disadvantage to getting too much protein if you are still good on the calories and fats? Read More

  • Which diet???


    • Posted On June 7, 2008 09:34:16 AM

      ... diets (atkins). Atkins low carb diets strains the body from the energy it needs, which is primarily a source of Carbohydrates. So if you exercise with super low Carbs for the day, that's a bi... Read More

    • Posted On June 6, 2008 08:19:21 AM

      What diet is everyone using!! There are so many...I've lost alot on low-carb, but I can't seem to get back on track with it, again...any suggestions about your favorite diet...thanks, Q Read More

  • Let's talk "Cleansing"


    • Posted On January 12, 2009 08:06:38 AM

      ...od stores) that is a blend of different strains... This should help you with your BM issues and then I would say try a 2 week cleanse... Good Luck! Read More

    • Posted On January 12, 2009 08:51:20 AM

      ...od stores) that is a blend of different strains... This should help you with your BM issues and then I would say try a 2 week cleanse... Good Luck! I just looked up "probiotic" and i... Read More

Show More

Strains Blogs

New HIV Strain Discovered

Researchers have identified a new strain of the HIV virus. This time, the virus first came from gorillas. In the past, the strains have originated with chimpanzees. This discovery confirms that both animals are likely sources of HIV. The new strain is...

New HIV Strain Discovered

Researchers have identified a new strain of the HIV virus. This time, the virus first came from gorillas. In the past, the strains have originated with chimpanzees. This discovery confirms that both animals are likely sources of HIV. The new strain is...

Genome Research article identifies opportunities for more robust ethanol yeast strains, higher yields

In the online journal Genome Research, two studies have identified genomic properties of industrial fuel yeasts that likely gave rise to more robust strains. The group’s work revealed that portions of the genome are plastic compared to other yeast...

Backup QB Sorgi Out a Few Weeks w/ Hamstring Strain

The Indy Star reports that backup QB Jim Sorgi will miss a few weeks with a hamstring strain: The Indianapolis Colts have lost the services of backup quarterback Jim Sorgi for a couple of weeks. Sorgi limped off the practice field Friday afternoon after...

Show More

Write for LIVESTRONG.COM

Write for us

Do you work in health, fitness or nutrition? Share your expertise by writing for LIVESTRONG.COM

Learn More

Strains Topic Guide

Advisor

Name Your name here

Profession What do you do?

What makes this topic important to you: Did you train for this? Do you work in this profession? Are you affected by this topic?

Is this topic important to you?

Do you know a lot about it? Become a guide and lead the conversation on this topic. Be a Guide

advertisement

Related Topics

Strains Images

Members Who Dare

More Members Who Dare

Write for LIVESTRONG.COM

Write for us

Do you work in health, fitness or nutrition? Share your expertise by writing for LIVESTRONG.COM

Learn More

Additional Reading



Tools

The Daily Plate

Track your daily calories. See how many calories you burn and consume.

Body Mass Index

BMI is a measurement of body fat based on height and weight.

LIVESTRONG Loops

Map your local running, cycling, walking and hiking routes and track your calorie burn.

Stay Motivated

Find us on the web, receive emails and use our mobile app to keep you motivated.

Symptom Checker

This tool will help you to decide whether to treat at home or see a doctor.