Signs & Symptoms of Muscle Strain

Often referred to as simply a pulled muscle, a muscle strain occurs when the fibers within a muscle are extended beyond their capacity, sometimes to the point of tearing. For most people, a strain is a result of overuse, but it can also arise from an abrupt movement that causes the muscle to suddenly contract. When someone suffers a muscle strain, he will usually experience some very distinct and immediate symptoms of this type of injury.

Pain

• Of all the symptoms of a muscle strain, pain is the most common. Typically, pain is isolated to the area of the injury, but it can also be felt in neighboring regions of the body. Depending on the severity and location of the strain, this pain will range from dull to sharp.

Swelling

• Often accompanying this pain is swelling. Swelling is usually isolated to the area of the strain, due to a sudden influx of fluid. To better heal the muscle fibers, the body sends a rush of blood, which contains white blood cells, to the area of injury. While this type of immune response may help repair the strain, it causes the muscle to inflame and the area to swell.

Bruising

• As the strain occurs within the muscle, the blood vessels usually suffer some degree of damage. This damage causes them to bleed. When the blood leaks out of these damaged capillaries, it collects just under the skin to form the symptom known as a bruise.

Weakness & Stiffness

• It isn't uncommon for a muscle strain to cause a stiffness or even actual weakness within the muscle. When the fibers of the muscle sustain some level of damage, they won't work as effectively, especially in the short term, as they did before. This limits their ability to expand and contract, producing a loss in flexibility and strength.

Popping

• For some people, they may in fact hear a popping or snapping sound at the time of the strain. This is usually an indication of a severe strain or tear where the fibers have suffered an actual separation.

Immobility

• Some muscle strains can ultimately cause immobility or muscle failure. When the muscle fibers suffer a separation, the ability to expand and contract can end. And since both the expansion and contraction are responsible for movement, the area of the injury encounters a limited or total loss of mobility.