Muscle Injury

A muscle injury occurs when muscle fibers are overstretched or torn, often as a result of sudden movements, overuse, heavy lifting, or inadequate warm-up during physical activity. Muscle injuries can affect any part of the body and range from mild strains to more severe tears that limit strength and mobility.

Common symptoms include localized pain, tenderness, swelling, stiffness, bruising, muscle weakness, and reduced range of motion. Pain may develop immediately after an injury or appear gradually as the muscle becomes fatigued or inflamed. Many mild to moderate muscle injuries improve with rest, gentle movement, ice or heat therapy, and appropriate pain relief.

Recovery time depends on the severity of the injury and how well it is managed. Returning to activity too quickly can increase the risk of reinjury. This section covers the typical causes of muscle injury, how symptoms present, treatment and recovery strategies, and warning signs — such as severe pain, significant swelling, or loss of function — that indicate medical assessment is needed.