What is a strain?

A strain specifically refers to an injury that occurs when a muscle or tendon is overstretched or torn. This type of injury commonly results from excessive force or overexertion during physical activity, where the muscle or tendon cannot accommodate the stress being applied. Signs of a strain can include pain, swelling, muscle spasms, and limited range of motion.

In contrast, an injury to a ligament is classified as a sprain, while fractures are related to breaks in the bone structure. Amputation pertains to the surgical removal of a limb and is unrelated to strains, showing clearly that strains are specifically tied to muscles and tendons, distinguishing them from these other forms of injury. Understanding the nature of a strain helps in identifying appropriate first aid responses and recovery strategies for affected individuals.