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What to tackle muscle strain

March 12, 2009



A muscle strain is quite a common injury that is also described as pull or tear. It is more common in people whose muscles are subjected to constant strain, such as athletes. The hamstring and quadriceps muscle sets, which help in folding and straightening of the legs, are particularly prone to muscle strains.

Muscle strains are usually caused when a particular muscle is stretched beyond its limit. Such a severe stretching makes the muscle tear apart from its muscle fibers. A direct blow to the muscle also results in this condition. Muscle strains usually occur near the points where the tough, fibrous connective tendon tissue joins with the muscles.

Muscle strains that occur in the thigh can turn out to be very painful. Its severity increases if a few blood vessels have also ruptured as a result of the damage. However, once subjected to strain, the particular muscle is vulnerable for re-injury. That is why experts often advise the affected people to take ample rest and follow all the preventive measures.

Most muscle strains get effectively treated with the RICE protocol. The acronym RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. It is important to provide the strained muscle with adequate rest. A break from the activity, which caused the strain, is the most important step to make. Crutches help in avoiding the body weight from falling on the strained legs.

Ice should not be applied directly on the bruised skin. It is advisable to apply cold packs several times a day for about twenty minutes at a time. Compression helps in preventing more swelling and the resultant blood loss. It is advisable to opt an elastic compression bandage.

Wearing an elevation helps in minimizing swelling to the maximum. It helps in keeping your strained leg higher than your heart level. In case of severe strain, the service of electrotherapy units that send electrical impulse to the affected are can be sought. It is found to be helpful in reducing pain and swelling.


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