Muscle strain injuries are graded by severity: 1. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. If you have a Grade III strain in your leg, the torn muscle may need to be repaired surgically by an orthopedic specialist. Oluseun Olufade, MD, is a board-certified orthopedist. See your provider right away if you cant move a part of your body you usually can. When to seek help Urgent advice: Initial treatment includes rest, ice, compression and elevation. Strains are what happens when some of the thousands of fibers in your muscles are pulled beyond their limit and tear. A strain of the thigh/hip is a stretching or tearing of a muscle and is commonly referred to as a "pulled muscle.". Athletic hip injuries. You should expect to make a full recovery from a muscle strain. Like swelling, it usually only affects one leg and commonly starts in the calf. This is a common injury, especially among athletes and runners. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) can be helpful for pain relief during this time period. Other symptoms may include: spasm reduced range of movement swelling/ inflamation weakness If you can do your job or schoolwork without putting stress on your strained muscle you shouldnt need to miss work or school. You can treat most muscle strains with at-home methods of first aid, including: Its rare to need surgery for a muscle strain. Other signs of a pulled calf muscle include: A severe pull in your calf muscles can leave you with feelings of sharp pain. Hernias usually dont get better on their own, and youll probably need surgery to repair one. Physical therapy is almost invariably a part of the treatment plan. Symptoms and Grading. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Acute muscle strains and pulls happen suddenly when you load a muscle beyond its capacity. Headaches. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Other possible symptoms of a hamstring strain are: Sudden and severe pain during exercise, along with a snapping or popping feeling. Like hamstrings, they are more susceptible to injury during high-velocity sports and sports with contact. Alessandrino F, et al. Symptoms 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. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2012. https://www.clinicalkey.com. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. But your muscle needs to heal, and giving it that time is the best way to make sure youll be able to get back to what you love as soon as its safe. Last medically reviewed on July 23, 2018. In more severe injuries, where the muscle or tendon has been completely ruptured, your doctor may be able to see or feel a defect in the area of injury. A muscle strain, or pulled muscle, occurs when your muscle is overstretched or torn. Spasms. In such cases, you would need surgery to reattach the torn ends of the muscle. A doctor, personal trainer, or physical therapist can offer recommendations for taking your workouts to the next level when its appropriate. You may want to write a list that includes: Your doctor may ask some of the following questions: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. A pulled calf muscle is a common injury thats easily treated at home unless complications arise. He teaches as an Assistant Professor of Orthopedics at Emory School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. People might also experience visible bruising if surrounding blood vessels are damaged. Minor injuries may only overstretch a muscle or tendon, while more severe injuries may involve partial or complete tears in these tissues. Muscle strains are common, painful injuries. Mild strains can be successfully treated at home. A groin pull can be quite painful, interfering with your ability to walk, navigate stairs, or even drive a car. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Telling the difference can be difficult if you don't know what to look out for. The more you work them out and gradually stretch them, the more flexibility and give they have when you move. Numbness. 2013 Sep;21(9):558-70. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-21-09-558. There is significant pain and swelling at the site of the injury. The more flexible you are, the more room your muscle fibers have to stretch before they begin to tear. The equivalent injury to a ligament is a sprain. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Stretch your legs apart by gently pushing over your front knee. Simple stretches--not any that tax your flexibility too much, though--will help prepare your muscles for a few hours of exercise. To prevent groin pulls, stretch regularly. Muscles located in the Back of the thigh are the Hamstring muscles. Early symptoms of deep vein thrombosis include swelling and tightness in the leg. If you have to have surgery for a severe pull in your calf muscle, it may take several weeks or months before you fully recover. A grade three muscle strain is a full tear of your muscle (all the way through it). Most calf strains heal with rest, ice, compression and elevation. See a doctor if your symptoms worsen despite treatment especially if your pain becomes intolerable, or you experience numbness or tingling. Wearing supportive footwear that fits properly. The groin muscles, called the adductor muscle group, are made up of six muscles that run from the inner pelvis to the inner part of thefemur (thigh bone). When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Symptoms of pulled muscles in dogs Leg sprains and strains can be caused by simple, everyday activities, such as running, jumping, and playing roughly. While most cases of calf pain can be treated at home, sometimes they may require immediate medical attention. Because the leg has many different muscles, it is vulnerable to several different types of muscle strains. This information can help your healthcare provider make a diagnosis. A physical therapist can help you to maximize stability and strength of the injured joint or limb. Also, in calf muscle injuries, Doppler studies may be done to check for a blood clot. A torn calf muscle may require surgery. About 30 percent of people with muscle injuries end up having repeated injuries. 2016 Sept/Oct;15(5):320-324. Find a Qualified Telehealth Provider Now and Connect Live, 10 Tips for Protecting Joints With Psoriatic Arthritis, New Treatments Relieve Symptoms of Opioid Withdrawal. People often report the sensation of pain as the feeling of being "stabbed." The muscles at the front of thigh are the most powerful in the body, but they are still vulnerable to pulls and strains. Chest. But a full recovery may take up to six weeks, according to Oxford University Hospitals. Cleveland Clinic offers expert diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for bone, joint or connective tissue disorders and rheumatic and immunologic diseases. It's a common injury in athletes and can happen in different severities. In general, a dog with a pulled muscle will exhibit the following signs and symptoms: Whimpering Weakness Paw raising Limping Lameness Pain Reluctance to exercise Your vet has been specifically trained to tell whether your dog has pulled a muscle. To allow the injured muscle to heal, you may need to wear a brace or cast for a number of weeks. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. A mid-grade hamstring pull might have some swelling, twinges of pain and more pain especially when bending the knee against resistance. Flexing or extending the damaged leg could prove difficult, resulting in mobility difficulties. Sprains, Strains, and Other Soft Tissue Injuries. https://www.naric.com/, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) This can result in a pulled muscle in the back. With a minor tear you may be able to continue activities or sport with minimal restriction. A pulled groin muscle is usually self-apparent. But golfers can pull a hamstring, too. Some groin pulls can be severe and cause a muscle to completely rupture. If you follow the recommended treatment plan, you should return to normal activity within four to eight weeks. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. This usually occurs as a result of fatigue, overuse, or improper. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if youre experiencing severe symptoms like intense pain. Score: 4.1/5 (42 votes) . So, if you go into a quick sprint of movement where your hip and thigh muscles are engaged, it has the potential for rectus femoris strain. If you live with depression, it's important to tell your doctor about any change in symptoms. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. The best way to prevent these problems is to seek prompt medical care for muscle pain, soreness or weakness. All rights reserved. Check out the list of soleus muscle pain causes below to see what we mean . Its the same way in your muscles. Complications of muscle injuries. When they contract, they pull our legs inward. General principles of orthopedic injuries. Additional symptoms may include: Stiffness in the neck. You should see a healthcare provider as soon as possible if you experience signs of a severe groin strain, including: This video has been medically reviewed by Oluseun Olufade, MD. Chronic muscle strains can result from repetitive injuries when you stress a muscle by doing the same motion over and over. Quadriceps muscles on the front of the thigh. Redness. Soreness. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. A rubber donut may be used to decrease the pain of sitting on a swollen buttock. A low-grade hamstring pull will allow you to walk normally, but with some discomfort. With rest and proper treatment, most groin pulls will heal on their own within four to six weeks. Mild injuries usually improve with rest, ice, compression and elevation. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Some minor injuries can lead to limping without pain, such as a minor tear to their ACL, minor [] Allowing yourself enough recovery time is critical to your calf muscle treatment. Make a donation. 11 Things Your Orthopedic Specialist Wants You to Know. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Find qualified telemedicine providers for a variety of symptoms and conditions. Comprehensive approach to the evaluation of groin pain. Theyre common in athletes and people who are especially active. A regular physical examination will reveal the location of the issue. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. For some injuries, such as a torn tendon, surgery may be considered. Ice, elevation, and rest may be helpful. There may also be a popping sound or snapping sensation. One exception is a Grade III plantaris strain, which usually is treated without surgery. 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