How to Take Care of a Muscle Injury

Significant muscle injuries should be treated by a physician, but many muscle strains can be treated effectively at home with the help of a few simple guidelines. If you are unable to walk, have significant pain and swelling, an open or bleeding wound or heard a snapping or popping noise during the occurrence of your injury, seek immediately attention at an emergency room.

Things You'll Need

• Ice pack
• Elastic bandage
• Pain reliever
• Comfortable clothing

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Instructions

• 1

  Protect the area of injury by removing tight or restrictive clothing or jewelry that may interfere with proper treatment of your muscle strain. Avoid activities that will further aggravate the strain and rest the injured area.

• 2

  Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen may be taken to lessen pain and swelling and increase your comfort. Keep the strained muscle in a stretched-out position to aid circulation to the area.

• 3

  Immediately begin icing the area to help stop bruising and reduce your pain and swelling. Do this in 20-minute intervals for every hour you remain awake. Avoid using heat on strains for the first 24-48 hours, as this can increase your painful symptoms.

• 4

  You may use gentle compression on the area of injury with the use of an elastic bandage, but be careful not to wrap the area too tightly as this will increase your discomfort.

• 5

  Keep the injured area elevated as much as possible. If your symptoms persist or worsen, you may need to have an x-ray of the area ,and your doctor may need to prescribe muscle relaxers.