Strains

A strain occurs when a muscle or a tendon is injured. The injury can be a stretching or a pull of the muscle or tendon, or it can be a tear. Tendons connect muscle to the bones.

Athletes are particularly at risk for strains. One of the most likely places for strains, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), is the back. (Read about "The Spine") The other common place for strains is the hamstring muscles, on the back of your thighs. (Read about "Feet, Ankles and Legs") Other areas can also be at risk. For example, elbow strains show up in people who participate in racquet sports. (Read about "Tendinitis and Bursitis")

Symptoms

A strain can be either acute or chronic. An acute strain can be the result of a sudden movement, a blow or lifting a heavy object. (Read about "Avoid Back Pain" "Back Tips")

Chronic strains usually are the result of overuse of the muscles and tendons. The symptoms according to NIAMS include:

• pain
• spasms
• weakness
• localized swelling
• bruising in the area

Movement of the muscle becomes very difficult and painful.

Treatment

After checking with your doctor, treatment for minor strains can often be accomplished at home using the RICE method, according to the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). The goal of the treatment is to reduce swelling and pain. RICE treatment, according to NIAMS and ACEP consists of:

• Rest - the injured area needs time to heal, for example, by using a cane or crutches as needed to add support or even not using the injured muscles or tendons for 24-48 hours.
• Ice - applying ice to the area helps hold down the inflammation and swelling. In general, ice should be applied for 20 minutes, 4 to 8 times a day.
• Compression - wrapping the area in some way can help hold down the swelling and give the injured muscle or tendon support.
• Elevation - by elevating the injured area above the heart it can help hold down the swelling.

Your doctor may also recommend over-the-counter or even prescription anti-inflammatories to help you manage the swelling and the pain. (Read about "Medicine Safety")

Rehabilitation (Read about "Rehabilitation") involves strengthening the muscles and tendons and stretching them appropriately.

Prevention

Prevention starts long before an injury occurs. A healthy diet and exercise program, in consultation with your doctor, can strengthen your muscles and tendons so they are less likely to be injured. (Read about "Getting Started on Fitness") NIAMS lists some other things such as:

• maintain a healthy weight (Read about "Losing Weight")
• wear proper fitting shoes and replace worn out athletic shoes
• warm up and stretch before working out or playing a sport (Read about "Stretching and Health")
• make sure you are in condition to play any sport (Read about "Avoid Sports Injury")
• wear appropriate equipment (Read about "Safety Equipment")
• don't work out or play a sport if you are tired or already injured

Strains happen even if you take every precaution but with a little care, they can be less severe and not turn into chronic problems.

Related Information:

    The Knee

    Marfan Syndrome

    Exercise and Seniors

    Senior Home Safety

    Back Pain