Strain (injury)
| Strain | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Muscle strain, pulled muscle, torn muscle |
| Two images of the same strain to the hamstring and associated bruising. | |
| Specialty | Emergency medicine, sports medicine |
| Symptoms | Bruise, swelling, redness and soreness |
| Causes | Excessive stress and/or repeated injury on a muscle |
A strain is an acute or chronic soft tissue injury that occurs to a muscle, tendon, or both. The equivalent injury to a ligament is a sprain. Generally, the muscle or tendon overstretches and partially tears, under more physical stress than it can withstand, often from a sudden increase in duration, intensity, or frequency of an activity. Strains most commonly occur in the foot, leg, or back. Initial treatment typically includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE).