Muscle Strain

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Causes

Signs/Symptoms

Care

Do's/Don'ts

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• Apply ice to the injury for 15 to 20 minutes each hour for the first 1 to 2 days. Put the ice in a plastic bag and place a towel between the bag of ice and your skin.
• After the first 1 to 2 days, you may put heat on the injury to help ease the pain. Use a heating pad (set on low), a whirlpool bath, or warm, moist towels for 15 to 20 minutes every hour for 48 hours.
• Do not use the pulled muscle for 2 to 3 days, or while you still have pain.
• Your doctor may suggest you wrap the injured area with an elastic (ace) bandage for a few days. Be careful not to wrap it too tightly because it may make the area numb or tingly. Loosen the wrap if you get these symptoms.
• If you need an air splint, your doctor can show you how to make it fit right. Wear the splint until the doctor says you may take it off.
• You can take off an air splint or ace wrap when showering or bathing.
• You may use over-the-counter medicines for pain. Always take medications exactly as directed.
• If you are given a tetanus shot, your arm may get swollen, red, and warm to the touch at the site of the shot. This is a normal reaction to the medicine.

Call Your Doctor If...

• The pain or swelling gets worse.