Strains

What causes a strain?

Strains are typically caused by overuse of a muscle or tendon. A strain has three categories: mild, moderate and severe, and you may experience any or all of these symptoms in all cases.

Strain Symptoms

Symptoms of a strain include:

• Pain

• Muscle spasm

• Muscle weakness

• Swelling

• Inflammation
  
  

What is the difference between a strain and a sprain?

Strains affect the tendons (an easy way to remember this is sTrains = tendons or muscles), and sprains affect the ligaments. Both tendons and ligaments are connective tissues, and both are measured by severity. You can have a mild sprain or a severe strain, or vice versa.

How can I treat my strain at home?

If you are experiencing mild symptoms of a strain, you can typically treat them by following the acronym RICE:

Rest: Avoid putting weight on the affected area.


Ice: Apply cold for 15-20 minutes at a time.


Compression: Use an elasticized wrap to compress and reduce swelling.

Elevation: Keep the area raised whenever possible, ideally to the height of your hip or higher.