Information

Question:

How do you treat a muscle strain?

Answer:

Rest and ice for the first few days after the injury. Anti-inflammatory medications or acetaminophen (Tylenol) also can be helpful to reduce pain and swelling in the first few days after the injury. As the pain decreases, using heat helps, along with stretching and light exercises to bring blood to the injured area.

Seek immediate medical help if you have a lot of swelling with the muscle strain or if you can't move your arms, legs, or joints.

See also: Strains - first aid

References

Buttaravoli P. Muscle strains and tears. In: Buttaravoli P, ed. Minor Emergencies. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 122.