Muscle Strain |
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DESCRIPTION
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A muscle strain (also called a pulled muscle) occurs when a muscle is suddenly pulled or twisted, causing a tiny tear. Healing usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks.
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CAUSES
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The problem usually results from an accident, often during sports or exercise. The injury happens more easily when muscles are not stretched or warmed up before working out.
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SYMPTOMS
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Symptoms typically include pain, tenderness, and swelling of the injured muscle. You may also not be able to move the area around the muscle very well because of the pain and swelling.
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CARE
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Your doctor may order an x-ray to make sure you haven't broken a bone. If you have a bad strain, you may need a splint to keep the injured area from moving so it will heal. If you scratched or tore some skin, you may also get a tetanus shot.
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