Question

What happens when excessive strain is put on the muscles?

Answer 1

A muscle strain, or pulled muscle, occurs when your muscle is overstretched or torn. This usually occurs as a result of fatigue, overuse, or improper use of a muscle. Strains can happen in any muscle, but they're most common in your lower back, neck, shoulder, and hamstring, which is the muscle behind your thigh.

Answer 2

Symptoms

Muscle strains can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• bruising
• muscle cramps
• difficulty moving the muscle
• muscle spasms
• muscle weakness
• pain, which usually worsens with movement
• swelling

How to treat muscle strain

Even if a person's muscle strain does not require medical attention, it is important to rest the muscle and allow time for recovery. A strained muscle is more susceptible to re-injury.

Home remedies

Several home treatments can help promote muscle healing. One of the most effective approaches to muscle strain recovery is the RICE technique.

RICE stands for:

• Rest: Resting the injured muscle gives the body time to repair.
• Ice: Applying a cloth-covered ice pack to the damaged muscle for 10 to 15 minutes at a time can help reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Compression: If possible, apply a compression bandage to reduce swelling. People can use cloth or elastic bandages from drug stores or online stores to wrap up an injured foot, ankle, leg, wrist, or arm.
• Elevation: Elevating an injured arm or leg can help reduce swelling and allow fluid to flow back toward the heart.

Recovery exercises

1. Hamstring stretch

Tight hamstrings can make walking and running difficult and increase injury risk.

To stretch the hamstrings, stand with the feet hip-width apart, and bend at the waist to lean forward. There should be a mild stretch along the back of the legs.

2. Hip flexor stretch

For a strained muscle in the hip, lie flat on the back and pull the right knee to the chest. Hold it there for 10 to 15 seconds before straightening the leg out again. Repeat with the left leg, feeling a stretch in the upper thigh and hips.

3. Neck stretches

For a strained neck muscle, lean the head forward to try to touch the chin to the chest. Next, lean the head first to the left and then to the right, trying to touch the ear to the shoulder.

When to see a doctor

It is important to see a doctor for any painful muscle strain to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If a person hears a popping sound when the injury occurs, this can indicate a muscle tear. A tear is a severe strain that will need medical attention.

If the pain from an injury gets worse instead of better, this can signify that a person should seek medical attention

Outlook

Muscle strains can range from mild to severe. Taking time to rest and rehabilitate the strained muscle can help a person recover and return to their previous physical activity level. Performing some simple stretching exercises, with a doctor's approval, may also be beneficial.

If the pain worsens or gets in the way of everyday activities, it is best to see a doctor.

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