Do I Have A Muscle Strain?

Is your muscle swollen?

Do you experience soreness in the muscle?

Does your muscle feel stiff?

Was there a sudden onset of pain in the muscle?

Do you experience a “knotted-up” feeling?

Does your muscle feel weak?

Do you have a limited range of movement?

Is there bruising or discoloration?

Do you experience muscle spasms?

Based on your answers, it’s unlikely that you experienced a muscle strain or pulled muscle. A muscle strain happens when a muscle is overstretched or torn. Often this occurs as a result of improper use of a muscle, fatigue, or overuse. Generally, strains can happen in any muscle, but they are more likely to occur in the lower back, hamstring, shoulder and neck. Luckily, most muscle strains can be successfully treated at home. There are some things you can do to decrease your chances of straining a muscle: not sitting in one position for too long, maintain good posture when sitting and standing, lift objects carefully, and wear proper shoes.

Based on your answers, you are displaying some signs related to a (mild or moderate) muscle strain. In a mild strain, a torn muscle feels a little stiff, but still flexible enough for use. Strains can cause pain and limit movement. Mild to moderate strains can be treated at home with rest, heat, ice, elevation, and anti-inflammatory medications. The symptoms usually go away within a few weeks. If that’s not the case, you may need to visit your doctor.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have a muscle strain. Your muscle may be severely torn, which results in pain and very limited movement. It may be of high importance to seek medical support, especially when the following happens: the pain doesn’t go away after a week, there is blood coming from your injury, the injured area feels numb, and/or you can’t walk or move your arms or legs. There are some things you can do to decrease your chances of straining a muscle: not sitting in one position for too long, maintain good posture when sitting and standing, lift objects carefully, and wear proper shoes.