A muscle pull, also known as a muscle strain, occurs when a muscle or tendon is overstretched or torn. The injury can happen due to a variety of reasons, including:
-
Overuse: Repeating the same motion over and over, whether at work or during an activity like playing sports, can lead to overuse syndrome and cause muscle strains.
-
Poor body mechanics: Using poor body mechanics to lift something heavy can cause acute strains.
-
Fatigue: Muscle strains can occur as a result of fatigue, overuse, or improper use of a muscle.
-
Sudden movements: Acute muscle strains can happen when you slip or lose your footing, jump, run, throw something, lift something heavy, or lift something while in an awkward position.
Muscle strains can affect anyone, but they are common in athletes and people who are especially active. Symptoms of a muscle strain include sudden pain that worsens while contracting the muscle, swelling and bruising, loss of strength and range of motion, and muscle spasms. Initial treatment includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation, and mild to moderate strains can be successfully treated at home with these measures and anti-inflammatory medications. However, severe strains or tears may require medical treatment, and it is important to see a doctor if your symptoms worsen despite treatment or you experience numbness or tingling.
