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Muscle strain
Most muscle strains (pulled muscles) are caused by overstretching muscles. Strains may be minor or severe, such as a torn muscle or tendon.
Symptoms of a muscle strain can vary depending on how severe the strain is and may include:
- Pain and tenderness that is worse with movement.
- Swelling and bruising.
- Normal or limited muscle movement.
- A bulge or deformity at the site of a complete tear.
Recovery time for a muscle strain can vary depending on a person's age and health and the type and severity of the strain. While a minor strain often heals well with home treatment, a severe strain may require medical treatment. If a severe strain is not treated, a person may have long-term pain, limited movement, and deformity.
How can you care for your muscle strain?
- Rest the strained muscle. Do not put weight on it for a day or two. If your doctor advises you to, use crutches or a sling to rest a sore limb.
- Put ice or a cold pack on the sore area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when you are awake). Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
- Prop up the sore arm or leg on a pillow when you ice it or anytime you sit or lie down during the next 3 days. Try to keep it above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.
- After 2 or 3 days, you can try applying heat to the area that hurts. Apply heat for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. You might also try switching between ice and heat.
- Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- Do not do anything that makes the pain worse. Return to exercise gradually as you feel better.
Muscle strain in children: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your child has new severe pain.
- Your child's injured limb is cool or pale or changes color.
- Your child has tingling, weakness, or numbness in the injured limb.
- Your child cannot move the injured area.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your child cannot put weight on a joint, or your child feels unsteady when walking.
- Pain and swelling get worse or do not start to get better after 2 days of home treatment.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.