Symptoms of a muscle strain
After a strenuous workout session, it is common to experience some pain and discomfort in the muscles. Some level of muscular pain is expected as this helps your body take the necessary steps to recover from the injuries and repair the damaged tissues. However, if you face excessive pain and stiffness that doesn’t go away with time, then this might indicate an injury or a muscle strain.
A muscle strain is a type of injury that occurs to the muscles when they get overstretched or torn from their normal position. This usually happens due to a lack of blood supply but can occur even with proper care and precautions. Muscles get damaged from strenuous physical activity, a fall, or a sports injury like a tackle in football. Sometimes, it might be due to the fact that the muscle is old and has lost its elasticity, especially if you are in your middle age or older.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Muscle Strain?
You will experience pain when you stretch, contract, or use this muscle. There may also be swelling in the area, along with a dull ache. In case of a severe muscle strain, you may feel a pop or tear in the muscles and experience severe pain that gets worse when you bear weight on it. You might even be unable to use the injured limb. There will also be a weakness in your muscles, along with a bruising sensation in the area.
How Can A Muscle Strain Be Treated?
To relieve symptoms of muscle strain, the basic thing to do is to take a rest. Stop taking part in strenuous activities that can result in further injury or pain. Apply ice packs on the injured area multiple times a day for about 20 minutes each time. If there is any visible swelling, you can wrap the ice pack in a towel before applying it. You can use NSAIDs or ibuprofen to relieve pain and swelling.
In case of a very severe muscle strain, your doctor may suggest immobilizing the injured part in an effort to prevent further damage. He might also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications along with antibiotics for preventing infection in the injured area. In rare cases in which a muscle strain has caused a tear in the muscles, you will need to undergo a minor operation to remove tissue debris and treat the area with an electrical current before going for physical therapy.
What Are The Treatment Options For Muscle Strain?
They will suggest that you wear a compression bandage to prevent swelling in the injured area. You get physiotherapy in Singapore for your lower back pain because they will start by examining your injury and then advising you on how to ease pain and discomfort. You might also be advised against bearing weight on that limb, especially during the initial days of treatment.
Your doctor may prescribe certain exercises for your condition based on your medical history, type of injury, and overall health. You will need to perform the prescribed exercises at home or in a gym, which can help improve blood flow in the affected area. This is important in preventing further damage and initiating healing of the damaged muscle tissue.
Depending on your condition, you may undergo certain pain relief treatments like ultrasound treatment, iontophoresis (a technique that uses electric current and medication to relieve pain and prevent swelling), electrical stimulation, laser therapy, massage therapy, and acupuncture.
These treatments can help in reducing pain and discomfort while improving blood flow in the injured area.
You should avoid activities that place excessive pressure on your muscles during the early days of treatment. You might be asked to wear a brace or use a crutch for a short period of time to prevent re-injury.
