What is a Strained Muscle?[]
A strained muscle usually occurs when the muscle has been overstretched or torn, usually occurring from athletic activity. This happens when the person is tired, overused, or when the muscle is used improperly by the person. Muscle strains can happen to any muscles in the body and the pain can go from mild to extreme depending on the severity of the strain. Strained muscles are often categorized into two groups, the first being a Chronic Strain where one has overused the muscle, the second group is an Acute Strain where one receives a direct blow to the body.
How do Strained Muscles Affect the Muscular System?[]
Strained Muscles affect the muscular system because they decrease the chances of the muscle moving at the normal speed it is used to, and decrease its range of motion. Over time and treatment, the muscle will become relaxed and go back to its original motion that is if the muscle was not torn. If there is a torn muscle then the treatment would be serious and the muscle may not be able to work at its normal speed or have a full range of motion again. Muscle damage can cause tearing to muscle fibres and tendons attached to the muscle.
Signs and Symptoms[]
Some symptoms that occur for this injury are: bruising, a sudden onset of pain, muscle spasms, soreness, limited range of movement, stiffness, and/or weakness. When the pain becomes serious you will be able to notice that the muscle would be very hard to use and in need of medical attention. Symptoms of severe muscle strains are: possibly blood coming from the injured area, being unable to walk, or to move your arms or legs.
Diagnosis[]
The doctor will decide how serious the muscle has been torn or strained. This will determine the speed of recovery for the patient. Depending on how serious the injury may be, the doctor may suggest possible surgery to help speed up the healing process of the muscle.
Treatment[]
The doctor will decide the type of treatment/medical assistance that the patient needs depending on how serious the injury is. Some ways you can treat a muscle strain are: Protecting the strained muscle from further injury, resting the strained muscle. Applying ice packs to the injured muscle area (20 minutes every hour while awake), elevating and/or compressing the injured area with an ace or other elastic bandage, in order to provide support and decrease swelling.
