Strains

Strains are an injury to the muscle rather than a ligament. What happens is you over extend the muscle and some of the muscle fibers tear. There is some bleeding into the muscle and the muscle becomes painful. Usually the pain is not around a joint area and swelling maybe minimal or not seen at all.

The treatment is the same as for sprains. RICE. Rest the muscle that is painful. Ice that muscle for 24-48 hours. Compression can be used, but may be difficult to do depending upon where the strain is at. Elevation may also be difficult, depending upon which muscle is involved.