Strain is a soft tissue injury that occurs to the muscle and tendon. It involves the stretching and tearing of the muscle and tendon.
Although it is not restricted to athletes alone as it can happen while doing everyday task, however, people that play sports are at more risk for developing strain. The most common location is the foot, lower back and back of the thigh.
Strain can be caused by improper body mechanics with any activity such as sports, lifting heavy objects, overstretching, that cause the muscle or tendon to overstretch and placed under more physical stress than it can exert, this results in a partial or complete tear of a tendon or muscle.
SIGNS AND SYMPTONS
- Pain
- Loss of function in the affected area
- Muscle spasm
- Localized inflammation
TREATMENT
The first line of treatment includes five steps known as: P. R. I. C. E
PROTECTION: Apply soft padding to minimize impact with objects
REST: Rest is necessary to facilitate healing
ICE: Apply ice to reduce blood flow to the affected area
COMPRESSION: Wrap the strained area with a soft wrapped bandage
ELEVATION: Keep the strained area elevated to the level of the heart to promote blood return to the heart.
Drugs can also be used to control pain and inflammation.
Thanks for reading. It's 