Grades of Muscle Strains and Ways to Treat Them

Muscle strain is an injury caused by overstretching or tearing a muscle or tendon. It can happen to any part of the body when pushed beyond its normal limits. The common causes include heavy lifting, sprinting, playing sports, etc. calves, back, and hamstrings are the most affected areas, differing in severity.

Here, you’ll learn about the types of muscle strains. Moreover, explore tips like consuming the best whey isolate in India, protein-rich snacks, and stretching to speed up muscle healing.

Different Grades of Muscle Strain

The severity of muscle strain can differ from person to person. It is divided into three grades in order or increasing seriousness:

• Grade 1 Muscle Strain: This is a mild type of strain which leads to minimum impact on your ability to move.
• Grade 2 Muscle Strain: This one is more serious than grade 1. It is due to the partial tear of muscle tissue, resulting in tenderness, pain, and swelling. The recovery can take 2-3 months.
• Grade 3 Muscle Strain: This one is a highly severe injury due to tearing of muscles in two pieces or shearing of tendons. It makes movement unbearably painful and requires surgery.

At-Home Treatment for Muscle Strains

If you’re experiencing pain and suspect muscle strain or tears, it is always best to consult a doctor. However, if the pain is mild, you can use the following treatment measures:

• Ensure Proper Rest: If your muscle pain is worse than give rest to the affected area. This will prevent swelling and inflammation. Avoid even mild stretches if they hurt.
• Apply Ice Pack: Use ice pack on the affected area when the injury is new. It helps reduce inflammation and swelling. Just wrap ice in a towel around the skin for 10 to 15 minutes. If it has been a few days, switch to heat compress to improve blood flow.
• Take Painkillers: Treat excruciating pain with pain-relievers like naproxen or ibuprofen that are effective and free from steroids.
• Recover Injured Muscle with Diet: Take a diet that is rich in protein and antioxidants to speed up the repair of muscle tissues for quicker recovery. You can consume eggs, lentils, tofu, chicken, or consume the whey Dymatize protein shakes that offers a convenient intake.

Medical Treatment

In grade 2 and 3 of muscle strain, going to a doctor may be advised that can provide you with information related to: 

• Types of medication to be used
• Diet as per your health and tolerance
• Additional aid such as crutches, cast, etc.
• Recommend physiotherapy exercises

To Sum Up

Muscle strain can be mild or severe resulting in muscle or tendon tears. It can be divided into three grades based on the severity of the injury. Home treatment involves resting, using hot and cold compresses, taking pain relievers, and eating a protein-rich diet. If the pain does not subside consult a doctor for medication, physiotherapy, or surgery.