Muscle strains (also called pulled muscles or torn muscles) are one of the most common injuries. Anyone can get a muscle strain. They’re most likely to happen when you’re being active or you suddenly exert yourself. Prolonged use or sudden stretching of a muscle can tear some of the fibers that hold the muscle together, causing pain. You may also experience weakness, redness, swelling, bruising, muscle spasms, and limited motion of the affected area.

A strain can happen to any muscle, but they’re more common in the lower back, hamstrings, calf, chest, biceps, and abdomen.  woman jogging

If your strain is mild, you can treat it at home by using the acronym RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). If your pain becomes severe or you feel tingling or numbness, you should visit a healthcare provider.

Pulled muscles and other injuries can happen at any time. When you need urgent care, Physicians Immediate Care has more than 50 clinics available to help, with extended hours to serve you when you need it.