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Treatment for leg strain
Treatment for leg strain

Strains - first aid
Definition:
A strain is a painful injury to a muscle that involves tearing of some muscle fibers. A strain may result from a traumatic injury or from improper or over-use of a muscle.

Alternative Names:
Pulled muscle

Considerations:
Use ice for 48 hours after injury - then ice or heat after that.

Avoid using a strained muscle while it is still painful. When the pain subsides, start activity slowly and in moderation.
Causes:
  • Excessive physical activity or effort
  • Improper warming up before participating in a physical activity
  • Poor flexibility
Symptoms:
  • Pain and impaired movement when using the injured muscle
  • Discoloration of the skin, especially bruising
  • Swelling
First Aid:
1. Apply cold compresses immediately and repeatedly for 15 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for the first day (this will help reduce swelling). Avoid using ice directly on the skin.

2. Rest the pulled muscle for at least 1 day.

3. Keeping the pulled muscle elevated may shorten the duration of symptoms.
Do Not:

DO NOT ignore pain that persists. Rest muscles that are in pain.
Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:
  • You are unable to move the affected muscle.
  • There is any external bleeding.
Prevention:
  • Maintain good strength and flexibility in all muscles.
  • Warm-up properly before participating in physical activities.
  • Practice moderation in physical activities.
Review Date: 7/19/2001
Reviewed By: Benjamin D. Roye, M.D., M.P.H., Department of Orthopaedics, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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