Muscle Strains: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Muscle Strains?
A primary care doctor, such as a family medicine doctor, or a sports medicine doctor, who treats sports injuries, can usually diagnose and treat muscle strains. An orthopedic surgeon, a bone and joint surgeon, may be needed for a severe tear. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are muscle strains?
A strain is a stretched or torn muscle or tendon. Tendons are tissues that connect muscle to bone. A strain is also called a pulled muscle.
A strain may be a simple stretch of the muscle or tendon, or it may be a partial or complete tear. Strains often occur in the back, neck, or leg, typically the hamstring (the muscle at the back of the thigh).
A strain is different from a sprain, which is a stretched or torn ligament. Ligaments are tissues that connect bones at a joint.
Symptoms
Signs of a muscle strain include:
- Pain.
- Tenderness or weakness.
- Muscle spasms, which are painful tightening of the muscle.
- Swelling or bruising.
- Trouble using the muscle normally, or not being able to put weight on it.
Causes and who gets it
Twisting or pulling the muscle or tendon can cause a strain. Strains can happen suddenly or develop over time. A sudden strain can come from a fall, twist, or blow to the body.
Not warming up before exercise, tired muscles, and playing sports are common causes.
Hamstring strains are a risk in contact sports and in sports with quick starts, such as basketball and sprinting. Calf strains are common in runners.
How doctors diagnose it
Many strains can be treated at home without seeing a doctor. If you see a doctor, you may need an X-ray, a picture of the bones. Signs of a broken bone, such as a crack when the injury happened or a body part that has changed shape, mean you will need an X-ray.
Treatment
For the first 2 to 3 days, follow the steps known as PRICE: protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation. In plain words:
- Protect the injury, for example with a support.
- Rest, and stop any exercise or activities.
- Ice the injury with an ice pack for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
- Compress the injury with a bandage.
- Elevate the injury by keeping it raised on a pillow.
Do not put ice directly on the skin. To help prevent swelling, try to avoid heat, alcohol, and massage for the first couple of days.
A pharmacist can suggest pain relief, such as painkillers and ibuprofen gel or spray to bring down swelling. Later treatment might include exercise and physical therapy. When you can move the injured area without pain stopping you, try to keep moving it so it does not become stiff.
Surgery may be needed for a more severe tear.
After 2 weeks, most sprains and strains feel better. Avoid strenuous exercise such as running for up to 8 weeks, because there is a risk of further damage. Severe strains can take months to get back to normal.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if a strain is getting worse or is not feeling better after treating it yourself. Get medical help soon if:
- The injury is very painful, or the pain is getting worse.
- There is a large amount of swelling or bruising, or it is getting worse.
- You cannot put any weight on it or walk more than a few steps.
- It feels very stiff or is hard to move.
- You also have a very high temperature or feel hot, cold, or shivery, which could be an infection.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if:
- You heard a crack when you were hurt.
- The injured body part has changed shape or points at an odd angle.
- The injured body part is numb, tingling, or has pins and needles.
- The skin around the injury has changed color, such as looking blue or grey, or is cold to touch.
These signs may mean a broken bone. Do not drive yourself. Ask someone to drive you or call 911 for an ambulance.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can examine the injury, advise you on rest and recovery, follow your progress, and refer you to a specialist or physical therapist if needed.
Common questions
What is the difference between a strain and a sprain?
A strain is a stretched or torn muscle or tendon, while a sprain is a stretched or torn ligament. Ligaments connect bones at a joint, and tendons connect muscle to bone.
How long does a muscle strain take to heal?
Most strains feel better after about 2 weeks. Severe strains can take months to get back to normal.
Should I use ice or heat on a muscle strain?
Use ice rather than heat at first. For the first 2 to 3 days, ice the injury for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
Can muscle strains always be prevented?
No, you cannot always prevent strains. Not warming up before exercise and tired muscles are common causes.
Can I exercise with a muscle strain?
It depends. Avoid strenuous exercise such as running for up to 8 weeks. Once you can move the area without pain stopping you, try to keep moving it.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Sprains and Strains
- NHS - Sprains and strains
- OrthoInfo (AAOS) - Sprains, Strains & Other Soft-Tissue Injuries
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
