Rest the sprained or strained area. If necessary, use a sling for an arm injury or crutches for a leg or foot injury. Splint an injured finger or toe by taping it to an adjacent finger or toe.
What is a strain?
Strain—acute or chronic injury to a muscle or tendinous attachment caused by stress, overuse, or over stretching Classified as mild, moderate, or severe (see Classifying sprains and strains) Overview-Pathophysiology
What is the best treatment for sprains and strains?
Sprains and Strains Treatment 1 Control Swelling With RICE Therapy. Rest the sprained or strained area. 2 Manage Pain and Inflammation... 3 See a Doctor... 4 Follow Up...
How is a severe sprain or strain diagnosed?
The doctor may want to do X-rays or an MRI to diagnose a severe sprain or strain or rule out a broken bone. The doctor may need to immobilize the limb or joint with a splint, cast, or other device until healing is complete.
What is the recommended treatment for muscle strain?
Rest the strained muscle and apply ice for the first few days after the injury. Anti-inflammatory medicines or acetaminophen (Tylenol) also help reduce pain and swelling. As the pain decreases, you can use heat on the muscle. Stretching and light exercises to bring blood to the injured area can also be useful.
Is a muscle strain is a sustained contraction?
In order to function, muscles should always be slightly contracted and ready to pull. A muscle strain is a sustained contraction of the muscle.
How do you prevent muscle strain?
There are several ways you can prevent a muscle strain from recurring, including:allowing for proper time to heal from an injury.stretching your muscles daily.cross-training for sports by weightlifting or choosing another activity to strengthen your muscles.warming up before exercise or intense activity.More items...
What happens when you strain a muscle?
The key symptoms of a muscle strain are: sudden pain that worsens while contracting the muscle, swelling and bruising, loss of strength and range of motion. People often report the sensation of pain as the feeling of being "stabbed." When muscle is initially injured, significant inflammation and swelling occurs.
How do physical therapy treat muscle strain?
Muscle Strain Treatment Self-Care at HomeProtect the strained muscle from further injury.Rest the strained muscle. ... Ice the muscle area (20 minutes every hour while awake). ... Compression can be gently applied with an Ace or other elastic bandage, which can both provide support and decrease swelling.More items...•
What causes muscle strains?
A muscle strain, or pulled muscle, occurs when your muscle is overstretched or torn. This usually occurs as a result of fatigue, overuse, or improper use of a muscle. Strains can happen in any muscle, but they're most common in your lower back, neck, shoulder, and hamstring, which is the muscle behind your thigh.
What is the proper treatment for strains and sprains?
Rest: Rest the injured part until it's less painful. Ice: Wrap an icepack or cold compress in a towel and place over the injured part immediately. Continue for no more than 20 minutes at a time, four to eight times a day. Compression: Support the injured part with an elastic compression bandage for at least 2 days.
What can you do to prevent muscle injuries quizlet?
Muscles that cannot contract due to injury, or are not often used, will we can and shrink, a condition known as atrophy. What can you do to prevent muscle injuries? Regular strengthening and stretching exercises can help you prevent injuries.
How do you treat a strained back muscle?
Treating a Pulled Back Muscle in 8 StepsApply cold. Cold helps reduce inflammation, which is the primary source of pain in the first few days. ... Use compression. ... Rest. ... Stretch. ... Pain medication. ... Perform strength exercises. ... Get a massage. ... Apply heat.
What type of injury is strain?
Strains are injuries to a muscle or tendon, and are often caused by overuse, force, or stretching. The ankle is the most commonly sprained or strained joint.
What is a strain medical?
A strain is when a muscle is stretched too much and tears. It is also called a pulled muscle. A strain is a painful injury. It can be caused by an accident, overusing a muscle, or using a muscle in the wrong way.