Am I Experiencing Muscle Soreness or a Muscle Strain?

Feeling sore after a hard workout is certainly a common feeling for many of us. But how can you be sure that it’s simply muscle soreness and not something more serious, like a strain?

Our AFC Urgent Care Southcenter team shares some helpful information below, so keep reading!

How Can I Know If I Pulled a Muscle?

Telling the difference between muscle soreness and a pulled muscle can be difficult, but the answer is in the onset of the pain.

Health experts say that with muscle soreness, you won’t feel it until a day to two later. With a pulled muscle, however, the pain is usually immediate. In fact, the pain from a pulled muscle is intense, sharp and localized to where the injury occurred and can also be associated with swelling, bruising and difficulty moving the joints nearby.

Additional Symptoms of Muscle Strain

  • Sudden onset of pain
  • Soreness
  • Limited range of movement
  • Bruising or discoloration
  • Swelling
  • A “knotted-up” feeling
  • Muscle spasms
  • Stiffness
  • Weakness

What Does the Body Experience When I Pull a Muscle?

When you pull a muscle, the surrounding muscle fibers are stretched or torn. Most muscle strains happen for one of two reasons: either the muscle has been stretched beyond its limits or it has been forced to contract too strongly.

If you’ve pulled a muscle, don’t hesitate to visit our AFC center to get the treatment you need! In the meantime, try the below-listed R.I.C.E. method to help your muscle recover and to reduce the swelling.

R.I.C.E. Method

  • Rest. Even if your muscle strain is fairly minor, you should avoid physical activity for at least 24 hours.
  • Ice. As soon as you feel your muscle or tendon strain, grab an ice pack. Apply ice for 15–20 minutes every two to three hours, and follow this routine for the first few days after your injury.
  • Compression. Compressing your strained muscle reduces the swelling.
  • Elevation. Elevating your injury above the level of your heart will help to reduce the pain and swelling.

Have you pulled a muscle? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our AFC Urgent Care Southcenter team with any questions or concerns!