Muscular Pain from a Muscle Strain

"Muscle strain" is an umbrella term used by the general public to denote muscular pain caused by damage to a muscle. In many cases, people will use the term muscle strain even though a more specific injury may have occurred like a muscle pull or a muscle tear.

The term muscle strain is also often applied to damage to the tendons that attach muscles to bones, although these might sometimes be more correctly described at sprains.

Many muscle strains are, technically, muscle tears. They occur when fibers of the muscle separate or tear away from each other. The severity of the strain depends on the number of muscle fibers that break.

Muscle strains often happen in one of two ways.

• A sudden, violent force or impact that stretches the fibers of the muscle or tendon beyond their normal limits.
• Gradual, repetitive use or overuse of the muscle.

Sometimes, the small blood vessels near damage muscle break, causing local bleeding that results in bruising or "black and blue" marks. Damage to nerve endings in the area can also result in muscular pain.

Symptoms

Muscular pain is the first and most obvious symptom of a muscle strain. The pain may occur when you're at rest, or when you're using the muscle. Other symptoms include

Swelling and inflammation.

Bruising or discoloration: classic "black and blue" marks. Redness may also be possible.

There may also be pain in the joints near the muscle, especially when those joints are being used.

The muscle may feel weak when you try to use it. In some cases it may be too painful to use at all.

Muscle Strain Treatment

The first step is determining the extent of the injury. If the muscle is completely torn, surgery may be needed, and it will take longer to regain full use.

Usually, your doctor will be able to diagnose your case without laboratory tests. But X-rays or imaging may sometimes be appropriate.

Once a muscle strain is diagnosed, your doctor will probably recommend self-care that includes any or all of the following therapies:

Applying ice packs. Be sure not to place ice packs on bare skin: place a towel or a cloth or some kind under it. Physical therapists and doctors usually recommend applying ice approximately 20 minutes every hour while you're awake.

Once swelling has decreased, you can try placing a heating pad on the area. Be aware, however, this may bring back some of the swelling or discomfort.

Keep the muscle in a stretched position, but be careful not to overextend it.

Your doctor may prescribe NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like aspirin and ibuprofen for muscular pain relief.

Avoid any activity which risks injuring the muscle again.

Try using compression from an Ace bandage or similar product, but make sure it's not so tight that it cuts off circulation.

Elevate the injured area. This will help reduce any swelling.

Follow your doctor's recommendation about using a cane or crutches.

Exercise the injured area as recommended by your doctor or physical therapist.

Most of the time, muscle strains - and the muscular pain that accompany them - cure themselves with time, treatment and rest. Depending on the severity of the original injury, many people can resume normal activities in a matter of a few weeks.

Also see our article on muscle pain relief.