Overview:
A muscle strain, or pulled muscle, occurs when the muscle is overstretched or torn, causing damage to the muscle itself or its attaching tendons. In contrast, a sprain is the stretching or tearing of ligaments, the tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect two bones together in one’s joints. Sprains and strains can cause pain and may limit movement within the affected muscle group. Acute sprains and strains can be successfully treated at home, while severe sprains and strains may require medical treatment.
Symptoms:
When someone pulls or sprains a muscle, they will most likely feel sudden pain in the affected area. Symptoms of a pulled or sprained muscle include:
- Soreness
- Swelling
- Limited range of movement
- Swelling, bruising, or redness
- Weakness of the muscle or tendons
- Muscle spasms
Causes:
An acute muscle strain occurs when the muscle tears suddenly and unexpectedly. This can happen from injuries or trauma, such as not warming up properly before physical activity, poor conditioning or overexertion. Chronic muscle strains are the result of repetitive movement and can be caused by:
- Sports (rowing, tennis, golf, or baseball)
- Poor posture over time
A sprain occurs when a person overextends or tears a ligament. The most common location for a sprain is in the ankle. Sprains often occur in the following circumstances:
- Ankle – Walking or exercising on an uneven surface
- Knee – Pivoting during an athletic activity
- Wrist – Landing on an outstretched hand
- Thumb – Overextension when playing racquet sports
Treatment:
Most mild to moderate sprains and strains can be treated at home with ice, heat, and anti-inflammatory medications. If one is experiencing severe pain in the affected muscle, the injury may require medical treatment. There are numerous treatment options for a sprained/pulled muscle. These include:
- Epidural steroid injection
- Medial branch block
- Pulsed radiofrequency neuromodulation
- Trigger point injections
- Spinal cord stimulator
- Intrathecal pump
We understand that each patient’s pain is unique. Therefore, the treatment recommended to each patient will be personalized to fit their condition and lifestyle. Our multi-disciplinary team of physicians offers advanced interventional and minimally-invasive techniques to help treat chronic, complex pain. Schedule an appointment today to discuss your concerns and what treatment options might be right for you!
