Description
A strain is a stretched or torn muscle. Any muscle may be involved. For a short time the injured muscle will have decreased strength or function. Bleeding into the tissue can occur causing bruising. Sometimes a strain (muscle injury) can be difficult to tell apart from a sprain (a sprain is an over-stretched or torn ligament.)
Symptoms
Pain and difficulty moving the injured muscle, discolored and bruised skin, swelling.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A X-ray may be done to rule out fracture. A MRI may be used to identify a torn muscle or injury to a ligament or tendon. MRI is not necessary in most cases because the diagnosis may be obvious.
Tests:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Sports Medicine, Pediatric Sports Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (physiatry)
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A X-ray may be done to rule out fracture. A MRI may be used to identify a torn muscle or injury to a ligament or tendon. MRI is not necessary in most cases because the diagnosis may be obvious.
Tests:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Sports Medicine, Pediatric Sports Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (physiatry)
Treatment
Treatment includes: rest, ice, pressure (ace wrap if needed), elevation, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn), pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Severe muscle tears or those with associated injury to tendons or ligaments may require surgery.