Mayo Clinic Care Network Content
Definitions

Strain


Overview

A strain is a stretching or tearing of a muscle or a tissue connecting muscle to bone (tendon). Strains often occur in the lower back and in the muscle in the back of the thigh.

Symptoms

Symptoms include pain, swelling, muscle spasms, and limited ability to move the muscle.

Treatments

Treatment may include pain relievers, ice, splinting, or surgery.