Muscle Strains

Ellen Says: Muscle strains can lead to muscle tension, by triggering stress in the muscles of the body. A muscle becomes strained when the tendon or muscle which connects with the bone becomes overextended. This strain triggers the muscles to rip, pull, or tear.

Pulling a muscle is a common expression for muscle strains. Muscle strains usually occur during physical activities when the muscle is tightening rapidly or with sudden great force. Placing ice packs on the injured muscle is the best way to help treat the injury. Some possible causes of muscle tension include the following:

*Failing to warm up properly prior to exercise, sport or physical activity
*Lifting heavy objects often causes muscles to tear
*The muscle has had a history of tearing, and has not received sufficient time to heal properly

Symptoms of Muscle Strain

*Pain in the muscle
*Persistent burning sensation
*Bruised or swollen appearance in and around the injured muscle