Avoid, Treat Pulled Muscles

A pulled muscle affects all of us, from the light activity-goer to professional athletes. Though typically not a severe injury, a pulled muscle can nag at you and sideline you from an activity or sport. Taking steps to treat it properly and avoid it altogether can help you stay in the game.

A pulled muscle occurs when the muscle is strained, or stretched too far, and small tears occur within the muscle. The hamstring is commonly strained, which can hinder you from performing a variety of activities, including running, walking, and jumping.

Muscle strains usually can be treated without seeing a doctor. Avoiding strenuous activities and resting allows the strain to heal, while ice can help reduce the pain and bleeding of the muscle.

To help avoid muscle strains, follow these guidelines:

• Stretch to warm up the muscles before an activity.
• Warm up before an activity. For example, jogging lightly or playing catch. Avoid jumping into an activity with tight muscles.
• Maintain strength. Work out with weights or participate in other muscle-building regimen. Stronger muscles are less likely to become strained.
• Listen to your body to avoid muscle fatigue. As your muscles weaken during activity, you become more susceptible to a strain and other injuries.