Some doctors recommend avoiding over-the-counter pain medications that can increase your risk of bleeding — such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) — during the first 48 hours after a muscle strain. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) can be helpful for pain relief during this time period.
Full Answer
What is the initial treatment for a thigh strain?
Apr 16, 2015 · Most muscle strains can be treated with the RICE protocol. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. This should help to limit bleeding and swelling in the tissues. After the early days have been spent resting more active rehabilitation can be started. Rest will relieve the pressure from the joint and ease the pain slightly.
How to treat a pulled leg muscle?
Most muscle strains can be treated with the RICE protocol. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Rest. Take a break from the activity that caused the strain. Your physician may recommend that you use crutches to avoid putting weight on the leg. Ice. Use cold packs for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
What is the best treatment for a muscle strain?
Keep the strained muscle in a stretched position, but don’t do extensive stretching routines When the swelling dies down, heat can be applied to relax the muscle Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen) if cleared by your doctor to do so Protecting the area using a splint, wrap or other tools to avoid further injury
What should I do if I pull a muscle in my thigh?
Dec 14, 2021 · A groin strain is an injury or tear to any of the adductor muscles of the thigh. These are the muscles on the inner side of the thigh. Sudden movements usually trigger an …
How do you heal a pulled muscle in your thigh fast?
TreatmentRest. Take a break from the activity that caused the strain. ... Ice. Use cold packs for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. ... Compression. To prevent additional swelling, lightly wrap the injured area in a soft bandage or ace wrap.Elevation. To minimize swelling, raise your leg up higher than your heart.
How long does a strained thigh muscle take to heal?
Recovery. Be sure to take as much time as needed to let your muscle heal before returning to sports. Wait until your strength and flexibility return to preinjury levels. This could take anywhere from 10 days to three weeks for a mild strain, and up to six months for a severe strain.
How do you know if you pulled a muscle in your upper thigh?
Symptoms. A person who experiences a muscle strain in the thigh will frequently describe a popping or snapping sensation as the muscle tears. Pain is sudden and may be severe. The area around the injury may be tender to the touch, with visible bruising if blood vessels are also broken.
What is the fastest way to heal a pulled muscle?
How to treat a pulled muscleRest. Rest the muscle for a few days or until your doctor gives you the okay. ... Ice. Apply ice to the injury for 20 minutes each hour you're awake. ... Compression. Wrapping the muscle with an elastic bandage can help bring down swelling. ... Elevation. ... Medication. ... Heat.
Is heat good for a pulled muscle?
A pulled muscle should first be treated using the R.I.C.E. method. During the first 72 hours, heat should be avoided to prevent increased swelling and inflammation. After about 72 hours, heat can be incorporated into treatment to increase blood flow and aid the overall healing process.
Should I stretch a pulled muscle?
Some experts recommend gentle stretching for muscles that are recovering from a strain. Be careful not to over-stretch and re-injure the healing muscle fibers. If stretching is very painful, stop and continue to rest the muscle. You can try again when you aren't feeling as much pain.Jan 5, 2022
Can you walk with a thigh strain?
It is confirmed by pain on stretch and contraction of the muscle. A grade two Thigh strain is usually sore to touch. A grade three thigh strain is a complete rupture of a muscle and is a serious injury. There is immediate burning or stabbing pain and the athlete is unable to walk without pain.Apr 16, 2015
How long does it take for a strained muscle to heal?
For a mild strain, you may be able to return to normal activities within three to six weeks with basic home care. For more severe strains, recovery can take several months. In severe cases, surgical repair and physical therapy may be necessary. With proper treatment, most people recover completely.
Should you massage a strained muscle?
Massage can help a range of injuries including sprains, strains, broken bones and muscles tears. Using a variety of massage techniques, massage can stretch out tightness and loosen scar tissue. Using massage as part of injury rehabilitation can increase healing rate and shorten recovery time.
Is it better to rest or exercise a pulled muscle?
“The most important treatment for acute muscle strain is rest,” he explains. “Continuing to stress a pulled muscle could result in further damage to muscle and a much longer healing time.Nov 15, 2021
Can a muscle tear heal on its own?
Normal activities can be resumed when a full range of motion returns without accompanying pain. Moderate tears may require physical therapy. A severe tear that requires surgical repair can take months or longer to heal. In this case, remember the adage: Do no H.A.R.M.
How long does it take to recover from a thigh strain?
In the case of a complete rupture the thigh muscle will have to be repaired surgically and the rehabilitation afterwards will take about 3 months.
How to know if you have a grade 1 thigh strain?
There may be a sensation of cramp or Thigh tightness and a slight feeling of pain when the muscles are stretched or contracted.
What muscles are in the back of the thigh?
The thigh has three sets of strong muscles: the hamstring muscles in the back of the thigh, the quadriceps muscles in the front, and the adductor muscles on the inside. The quadriceps located at the front of the thigh is responsible for extending the knee and bending the leg. The quadriceps group is made up of four muscles: Rectus Femoris, ...
How to keep your thigh muscles warm?
Warm up before any exercise session or sports activity, including practice. Take time to cool down after exercise. Warm Pants (Compression Shorts) or a Thigh Support can help to retain muscle temperature and are very for the prevention of thigh muscle injuries.
What is a thigh tear?
A tear in a thigh muscle is referred to as a thigh strain and depending on its severity it is classified as a first, second or third degree strain: First degree strain is damage to a few muscle fibres.
What is the difference between a first degree strain and a second degree strain?
First degree strain is damage to a few muscle fibres. Second degree strain is damage to a more extensive number of muscle fibres. Third degree strain is a complete rupture of the muscle itself.
What are some exercises to strengthen the hamstrings?
As the thigh muscles get stronger, core strength and core stability exercises can improve muscle function across the trunk and pelvis and reduce the risk of Hamstring injury. Core strength exercises using a Swiss Ball and Resistance Bands are ideal for a quick return to functional activity.
What is the best treatment for a sprained limb?
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) can be helpful for pain relief during this time period. A physical therapist can help you to maximize stability and strength of the injured joint or limb. Your doctor may suggest that you immobilize the area with a brace or splint.
What to look for in a physical exam for a ruptured tendon?
Diagnosis. During the physical exam, your doctor will check for swelling and points of tenderness. The location and intensity of your pain can help determine the extent and nature of the damage. In more severe injuries, where the muscle or tendon has been completely ruptured, your doctor may be able to see or feel a defect in the area of injury.
How to wrap a swollen heart?
Begin wrapping at the end farthest from your heart. Loosen the wrap if the pain increases, the area becomes numb or swelling is occurring below the wrapped area. Elevation. Elevate the injured area above the level of your heart, especially at night, which allows gravity to help reduce swelling.
How to stop swelling in a swollen ear?
Use an ice pack or slush bath of ice and water for 15 to 20 minutes each time and repeat every two to three hours while you're awake for the first few days after the injury. Compression. To help stop swelling, compress the area with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops.
What is the cure protocol for muscle strain?
Most muscle strains can be treated with the RICE protocol. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Rest. Take a break from the activity that caused the strain. Your physician may recommend that you use crutches to avoid putting weight on the leg.
How to tell if you have a muscle strain in your thigh?
Symptoms. A person who experiences a muscle strain in the thigh will frequently describe a popping or snapping sensation as the muscle tears. Pain is sudden and may be severe. The area around the injury may be tender to the touch, with visible bruising if blood vessels are also broken. Swelling and areas of ecchymosis (“black and blue”) ...
Why are tight muscles vulnerable to strain?
Muscle imbalance. Because the quadriceps and hamstring muscles work together, if one is stronger than the other, the weaker muscle can become strained.
What muscles work together to straighten and bend the legs?
The quadriceps and hamstrings work together to straighten (extend) and bend (flex) the leg. The adductor muscles pull the legs together. Hamstring muscles on the back of the thigh. Quadriceps muscles on the front of the thigh. The hamstring and quadriceps muscle groups are particularly at risk for muscle strains because they cross both ...
What causes muscle strain?
Several factors can predispose you to muscle strains, including: 1 Muscle tightness. Tight muscles are vulnerable to strain. Athletes should follow a year-round program of daily stretching exercises. 2 Muscle imbalance. Because the quadriceps and hamstring muscles work together, if one is stronger than the other, the weaker muscle can become strained. 3 Poor conditioning. If your muscles are weak, they are less able to cope with the stress of exercise and are more likely to be injured. 4 Muscle fatigue. Fatigue reduces the energy-absorbing capabilities of muscle, making them more susceptible to injury.
How long does it take for a muscle strain to heal?
A grade 1 strain is mild and usually heals readily, whereas a grade 3 strain is a severe tear of the muscle that may take months to heal.
What to do if you have a fractured thigh bone?
Doctor Examination. Your physician will ask about the injury and examine your thigh for tenderness or bruising. You may be asked to bend or straighten your knee and/or hip so the doctor can confirm the diagnosis. An x-ray may be needed if there is a possible fracture or other injury to the bone.
How to treat a pulled muscle?
Other pulled muscle treatment methods include: 1 Keep the strained muscle in a stretched position, but don’t do extensive stretching routines 2 When the swelling dies down, heat can be applied to relax the muscle 3 Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen) if cleared by your doctor to do so 4 Protecting the area using a splint, wrap or other tools to avoid further injury
What to do if you pull a muscle in your leg?
If you pull a thigh muscle, rest, ice, compress and elevate your leg. In this case, it’s also the one time we’ll advise taking the escalator or elevator instead of the stairs to prevent added strain on those muscles.
What muscle group is the thigh?
The thigh comprises major muscle groups including the quadriceps in the front, hamstrings in the back and adductors on the inside of the thigh. The quadriceps and hamstrings work together to help straighten and bend the leg at the knee, while the adductors keep the legs pulling towards the center.
What muscles are strained when jumping?
It’s worth being aware that your rectus femoris hip flexor — which is the fourth important muscle of the quadriceps — can become easily strained when executing plyometric activities, such as jumping or sprinting. If you pull a thigh muscle, rest, ice, compress and elevate your leg.
How to recover from a muscle pull?
After you pull a muscle, immediately turn to the R.I.C.E method of recovery: rest, ice, compress and elevate. Take a break from the exercise, movement or activity that caused your muscle strain, then ice the area for 10-minute intervals as often as necessary .
What muscles are pulled in the arm?
Treating a pulled muscle in arm or shoulder. It’s possible to pull arm and shoulder muscles like the deltoids, biceps and triceps. These muscle strains can occur during sports, when you try to catch yourself from falling, or when you lift something like a heavy box or child. To identify which arm muscle you pulled, gently move your arm around.
How long does it take for a pulled muscle to subside?
When in the moment, a pulled muscle can be quite painful, but the pain or discomfort should subside in about 24 hours. ...
How to prevent groin strain?
The best way to prevent groin strain is to avoid using the adductor muscle without proper training and preparation. Especially if you play a sport that’s likely to cause groin strain, regularly stretch and strengthen your adductor muscles.
How to heal a grade 3 strain?
These could include: physical therapy. massage therapy. heat and stretching. electrotherapy. If you have a grade 3 strain, you may need surgery to repair the torn fibers, especially where the tendon is involved.
What is a groin strain?
Overview. A groin strain is an injury or tear to any of the adductor muscles of the thigh. These are the muscles on the inner side of the thigh. Sudden movements usually trigger an acute groin strain, such as kicking, twisting to change direction while running, or jumping. Athletes are most at risk for this injury.
What is grade 1 groin strain?
A grade 1 groin strain occurs when the muscle is overstretched or torn, damaging up to 5 percent of the muscle fibers. You may be able to walk without pain, but running, jumping, kicking, or stretching may be painful.
How to heal adductor muscle?
As your adductor muscle is recovering, avoid activities that involve pain. Resume activities gradually. This will enable your muscle to heal fully and prevent you from developing a recurrent groin strain injury. The length of time you need to recover will also depend on your level of fitness before the injury.
How to tell if groin is strained?
They can include: pain (usually felt in the inner thigh, but located anywhere from the hip to the knee) decreased strength in the upper leg. swelling.
What is the risk factor for groin strain?
The primary risk factor for groin strain is playing a sport that involves kicking, turning suddenly while running, and jumping. Needing to change direction frequently is also a risk factor.
How to get rid of a pulled leg muscle?
Give It Rest. A pulled leg muscle can be excruciatingly painful. Giving it rest is very important. Stay off your feet as much as possible. Trying to engage in strenuous workouts can strain the muscle further and cause extensive damage. If swelling has occurred in a particular area, try to keep your leg elevated.
How to treat muscle pulls?
Any muscle pull can be treated with ice. Apply cold ice compresses on the muscle pull area. This will help to reduce the swelling and redness that is typically seen in a muscle pull. Wrap the ice in a clean towel and gently press it down to the affected area . Keep repeating this treatment throughout the day for relief.
What to do if you pull a muscle?
If the muscle pull is severe, you may need to immobilize the affected muscle in order to allow it to heal. In such cases, wrap the muscle in a compression bandage. The bandage should be fairly tight but not so tight that it cuts off blood circulation.
How to get muscle back to normal?
At times, a combination of ice and hot fomentation may help the muscle to recover faster. Use a hot water bottle and rest your leg on the bottle to give the muscle warmth.
What is the best way to stretch your legs?
Warm Up And Cool Down. Leg workouts require stretching and light cardio workouts before exercising them. Most of the time people forget to stretch their leg muscles after a lower body workout. This leads to a high risk of muscle pulls and tears.
Why do I pull my leg muscles?
This is a common fall out of over training or doing too much too soon. Doing sudden sprints and weight training with very heavy weights and improper technique are some of the causes of a pulled leg muscle. The leg muscle is large and a strain to it can make walking very difficult.
Can a ligament tear be repaired?
In such cases, surgery may be performed to help repair the tear. The recovery is very slow and prolonged and often requires intense physiotherapy.
How to recover from a leg injury?
If you’re returning to activities such as running or weightlifting, start off slowly and work your way up to your previous level by increasing your distance or weight gradually. The AAOS recommends that the strength of your injured leg be at least 85 percent of your uninjured leg to return to competitive sport.
How to prevent quadriceps strain?
Cold muscles are more likely to sustain an injury. Therefore, the best way to prevent damage is to perform a full warmup before any exercise or stretching.
How long does it take for a quad to heal?
After the initial inflammatory response occurs, it’s time for your tissues to start rebuilding. Full recovery can take up to six weeks or more. For a mild strain or sprain, most people feel better after a week or two of rest. You’ll know your quad is healed when you no longer have pain and can move your leg through its full range of motion.
What is a pulled quad?
Symptoms of a pulled quad. The quadriceps are the group of four muscles on the front of the thigh that act to straighten the leg at the knee. Injuries can range from a grade 1 (mild) strain to a grade 3 (severe) tear. Symptoms include:
How to get swelling down in leg?
Elevate your leg when possible to help decrease swelling and pain. You can do this by propping your leg up on a pillow while lying in bed or on the couch. The goal is to get the injured leg above your heart so that gravity can assist with moving fluid away from the site of injury.
How to stop quad pain?
Avoid all activities that involve lower body strengthening, such as squats, lunges, running, or jumping activities. Apply ice or cold packs for 15 minutes multiple times per day on the area of pain.
How to strengthen a leg that is injured?
You can also incorporate light strengthening activities such as seated leg extensions or wall squats. This will help strengthen your injured leg and prevent injury once you return to full activity. Always check with your doctor or physical therapist before doing any stretching or strengthening exercises.
What is a strain of the thigh called?
A strain of the thigh/hip is a stretching or tearing of a muscle and is commonly referred to as a “pulled muscle. ”. Overview. Causes.
What are the symptoms of a thigh strain?
What are the Symptoms of Thigh/Hip Strains? A pulling sensation when the injury occurs, followed by pain when walking or lifting the leg. Pain and stiffness with movement or activity in thigh and hip. In severe injuries, swelling and bruising may occur .