Strains

A strain is an injury to a muscle that helps support the bones, usually located in your foot or leg. In many cases, strains occur when a muscle or tendon is overused or forced, but surgical repair is rarely required. More than 10 million sports injuries occur each year, and most are either due to traumatic injury or overuse of muscles or joints. About 95 percent of sports injuries are due to minor trauma involving soft tissue injuries, such as strains. The most common treatment for a strain is rest, ice, compression, and elevation, or RICE (rice). Place an ice pack to the injured area, but not directly to the skin, and elevate the arm or leg above the heart whenever possible. Simple exercises to help relieve pain and restore mobility may also be used. Using proper conditioning techniques, training, and wearing the appropriate gear can help reduce the chances of a strain. For more information on strains, contact an orthopedic or sports medicine professional.