Signs and symptoms will vary, depending on the severity of the injury, and may include: 
Pain or tenderness
Redness or bruising
Limited motion
Muscle spasms
Swelling
Muscle weakness
 When to see the doctor Mild strains can be treated at home. See a doctor if your symptoms worsen despite treatment — especially if your pain becomes intolerable, or you experience numbness or tingling. Causes Acute strains can be caused by one event, such as using poor body mechanics to lift something heavy. Chronic muscle strains can result from repetitive injuries when you stress a muscle by doing the same motion over and over. Risk factors Participating in contact sports — such as soccer, football, hockey, boxing and wrestling — can increase your risk of muscle strains. Certain parts of the body are more susceptible to strains during participation in certain sports. Examples include: 
Legs and ankles. Sports that feature quick starts and jumping, such as hurdling and basketball, can be particularly tough on the Achilles tendon in your ankle.
Hands. Gripping sports, such as gymnastics or golf, can increase your risk of muscle strains in your hands.
Elbows. Elbow strains are often caused by throwing sports and racquet sports.
 Prevention Regular stretching and strengthening exercises for your sport, fitness or work activity, as part of an overall physical conditioning program, can help to minimize your risk of muscle strains. Try to be in shape to play your sport; don't play your sport to get in shape. If you have a physically demanding occupation, regular conditioning can help prevent injuries.  

  




 


 
 By Mayo Clinic Staff By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an appointment Request an appointment   Diagnosis & treatment Diagnosis & treatment Diagnosis & treatment 
    Oct. 11, 2022
 Print Print  Share on: FacebookTwitter Facebook Twitter Show references
Sprains and strains. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/sprains-and-strains/advanced. Accessed April 27, 2018.
Walls RM, et al., eds. General principles of orthopedic injuries. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 27, 2018.
Safran MR, et al. Strain. In: Instructions for Sports Medicine Patients. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2012. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 27, 2018.
Sprains, strains and other soft-tissue injuries. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries. Accessed April 27, 2018.
 Show references 
Sprains and strains. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/sprains-and-strains/advanced. Accessed April 27, 2018.
Walls RM, et al., eds. General principles of orthopedic injuries. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 27, 2018.
Safran MR, et al. Strain. In: Instructions for Sports Medicine Patients. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2012. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 27, 2018.
Sprains, strains and other soft-tissue injuries. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries. Accessed April 27, 2018.
 
Sprains and strains. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/sprains-and-strains/advanced. Accessed April 27, 2018.
Walls RM, et al., eds. General principles of orthopedic injuries. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 27, 2018.
Safran MR, et al. Strain. In: Instructions for Sports Medicine Patients. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2012. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 27, 2018.
Sprains, strains and other soft-tissue injuries. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries. Accessed April 27, 2018.
 Sprains and strains. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/sprains-and-strains/advanced. Accessed April 27, 2018. Walls RM, et al., eds. General principles of orthopedic injuries. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 27, 2018. Safran MR, et al. Strain. In: Instructions for Sports Medicine Patients. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2012. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 27, 2018. Sprains, strains and other soft-tissue injuries. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries. Accessed April 27, 2018. 
Related

Associated Procedures


Ultrasound




Products & Services


Book: Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies



 Related 
Associated Procedures


Ultrasound


 Associated Procedures 

Ultrasound

