What Is a Muscle Strain?

A strain is a painful condition that is due to the tearing or stretching of tendon or muscle. The most commonly affected areas are the back and the hamstring.

• Back strains are among the most common strains.

Strain vs. Sprain

• The terms strain and sprain are often used interchangeably, but they are two different conditions. A sprain affects the ligaments, while strains affect the muscles and tendons.

Symptoms

• According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of a strain depend on how severe the injury is. Some common symptoms are stiffness, pain, swelling and bruising. Severe strains may cause swelling, significant bleeding, bruising and loss of muscle function.

Causes

• Acute strains happen when there is a sudden, intense contraction of the muscle, usually during activities like running, throwing, jumping and heavy lifting. Chronic strains occur when there is extended, recurring movement of the muscle.

Treatment

• You can treat mild to moderate strains at home. Use over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to dull the pain, and ice packs to calm the swelling. Braces and splints usually correct more severe strains, but sometimes surgery is necessary for a full recovery, per the Mayo Clinic.

Prevention

• Stretching is the best preventative measure against strains. Bracing, taping and wrapping the area are also popular methods.