Strains

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Muscle strain Treatment for leg strain

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Strains

• Apply ice immediately to reduce swelling. Wrap the ice in cloth -- avoid using ice directly on the skin. Apply ice for 10 to 15 minutes every 1 hour for the first day. Then, every 3 to 4 hours.
• Use ice for the first 3 days. After that, either heat or ice may be helpful.
• Rest the pulled muscle for at least a day. If possible, keep the pulled muscle elevated above the level of the heart.
• Avoid using a strained muscle while it is still painful. When the pain subsides, start activity slowly and in moderation.

• You are unable to move the muscle.
• The injury is bleeding.

Call your doctor if the pain does not go away after several weeks.

DeLee JC, Drez, Jr., D, Miller MD, eds. DeLee and Drez?s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 2^nd Ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2003.

Frontera, WR, Silver JK, eds. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 1^st Ed. Philadelphia, PA: Hanley & Belfus; 2002.

Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen?s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5^th Ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2002.

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