When you get a pulled muscle it can be a big problem and you may want to know how to cure a pulled muscle. In fact, there are many things you can do to help alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with a pulled muscle. These include applying ice, stretching, and immobilizing the area. There are also a few anti-inflammatory medications that you can take.
Stretching
Doing a little bit of stretching after a pulled muscle can be helpful. It will help the muscles heal and may increase blood flow. But be sure to stretch correctly and not too hard. Otherwise, you may have an injury that will require surgical intervention.
For example, when you stretch the calf or hamstrings, be sure to hold the stretch for 30 seconds or so. This will be enough to get the muscles to move, but a longer hold might be needed for problem areas.
When you are injured, you should seek advice from a medical professional or a therapist. The doctor will be able to recommend what stretches will work best for you. Also, the right pain medication can help ease your pain.
The most important thing to know about muscle strains is that you should not overstretch the area. Too much stretching can result in tears, or even further injury. You should also make sure to rest the injured area for a few days after the incident.
Another thing to do after a pulled muscle is to use a small compression wrap. This will reduce the swelling and help relieve the pain.
Using an ice pack can be beneficial for the first two days after an injury. However, you should avoid taking an NSAIDS, as these can cause bleeding.
There are also many other methods of easing the pain after an injury, including a light exercise routine and plenty of rest. These methods will not only speed up recovery, but they will keep you active and limber.
Stretching to cure a pulled muscle is not an easy feat. It can take weeks, and even months to get your body back to normal.
Anti-inflammatory medications
If you’ve got a muscle pull, you may want to consider using anti-inflammatory medications to treat your pain. These drugs are commonly prescribed by doctors, but they carry some risks.
Anti-inflammatory medications, also known as NSAIDs, work by blocking the body’s production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are involved in the smooth contraction and relaxation of muscles. They also signal the body to slow down and repair itself.
Prostaglandins are derived from fatty acids and are involved in neurotransmission, pain sensitivity, and lipolysis. When the body produces too much, it can lead to damage.
The anti-inflammatory medications you’ll most likely be prescribed include naproxen, aspirin, or ibuprofen. These medicines are often used by athletes for muscle pain. While they may help relieve your pain, they can interfere with the healing process. You should talk to your doctor before taking them.
Depending on the severity of your muscle strain, you might be able to perform gentle movement after two days. However, you should avoid activities that make the pain worse.
You can help reduce swelling and inflammation by elevating the injured area. Ice packs or heating pads can also be applied. Make sure to wrap the ice pack in a towel before applying it.
Over-the-counter medications and anti-inflammatory ointments are often used to treat pain. These are generally safer than oral anti-inflammatory medications. For some people, they are even more effective.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is another popular choice for pain relief. It does not reduce inflammation, but it can lessen swelling.
If you’ve already tried anti-inflammatory medication and still can’t get rid of your pain, you should speak to your doctor. Your doctor may recommend a stronger form of pain relief or change the prescription.
Ice
Ice is often used as a first line of defense to heal a pulled muscle. This is because it reduces the pain and inflammation associated with an injury. But, there is more to ice than just relief from a sprained ankle or a pulled calf.
Ice can be used to reduce the symptoms of a cold. It can also be applied to a swollen knee or hip. However, it should be applied in moderation and with care. Applying ice for an extended period of time can cause frostbite and even damage the skin.
Likewise, applying heat is often recommended to improve blood circulation, relieve muscle stiffness, and ease pain. A small, moist heating pad can be a helpful tool. Heat can also be a good way to warm up stiff soft tissues before exercise.
There are many benefits to using both ice and heat. If you have a pulled muscle, you may want to use both techniques to help speed up recovery. You can also try ice massage to target areas that are too awkward to ice.
In addition to reducing pain, ice is also an effective anti-inflammatory. The best way to do this is to use a cold pack. Be sure to wear gloves or use a towel to prevent direct contact with the ice.
Another benefit of ice is that it can help prevent internal bleeding. This is especially beneficial for athletes. After an injury, the body may bleed out, and icing helps to stop the bleeding before it has a chance to progress.
While ice is a great first line of defense to a muscle injury, it is not for everyone. Some people have a hard time handling cold and are prone to frostbite.
Immobilizing the area with a brace or splint
If you have a pulled muscle or other injury, your doctor may suggest you use a brace or splint. Splints are used to protect a broken bone and also to treat other injuries. These treatments will help reduce pain and swelling.
A splint can also be used to prevent re-injury. However, some health experts advise against using splints over the long term. Some splints are designed with an air cushion. This provides extra support while you return to daily activities.
Splints can be made of plaster or fiberglass. They are typically worn for three to four weeks. For more severe injuries, a longer splint may be needed.
Before wearing a splint, check the skin around the splint to make sure it is dry. You don’t want moisture to collect under the splint, which could lead to infection.
You should avoid using oils or other materials on your skin near the splint. Also, use tape or soft material to cover the edges of the splint.
When you are finished with your splint, wash it carefully. The hair dryer is a great tool to dry splints. It can be set on cool. But don’t leave the splint in the dryer too long, because the splint might start to lose shape.
After a few days of wearing the splint, you will be able to remove it and use it for bathing. However, make sure you don’t forget to wash your skin underneath the splint.
If you have a broken bone, you might need to wear a splint for a few weeks. In some cases, your doctor will recommend you go to a physical therapist. Your therapist will be able to help you maximize the strength of your injured joint.
Protecting your injured muscle from further harm
Whether you have a strained muscle or not, protecting it from further damage is a top priority. The best way to accomplish this is to make sure you follow the right procedures to ensure a timely recovery. This includes resting it up and taking the appropriate precautions for when you do go about your daily routine.
Luckily, it’s not too hard to keep the injured muscle safe. An elasticated tubular bandage is a great place to start. Make sure the bandage is tight and snug, but not so tight that it restricts circulation. Using an ice pack should also be part of your recovery plan. Applying ice to a swollen area can reduce inflammation and thereby reduce pain.
The most important rule of thumb is to avoid activities that cause swelling. If you must perform the aforementioned activities, use a supportive brace. During the healing process, you may also want to take anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen.
It’s a good idea to look after your musculoskeletal system, especially after a bout of exercise or a game of catch with the kids. A sprain is one of the most common injuries and you’ll need to rest it for at least 48 hours before you can move on to the next activity. For more serious injuries, you’ll need to rely on a doctor or other health care provider. As with any medical issue, the best way to treat your injury is to educate yourself about it and know what to do. Fortunately, the physician who sees you is likely to be an expert on such matters. You might even be able to save yourself from the dreaded trip to the emergency room.
