Muscle Strain

What is Muscle strain?

A muscle strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon. Muscle or tendon injury is referred to as a strain or "tendonitis". This usually occurs as a result of fatigue, overuse, or improper use of a muscle.

Strains can happen in any muscle, but they are most common in; the lower back, neck, shoulder, and hamstring, which is the muscle behind your thigh.

These strains can cause pain and may limit movement within the affected muscle group.

Mild-to-moderate strains can be successfully treated at home with ice, heat, and anti-inflammatory medications. Severe strains or tears may require medical treatment.

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

 How to prevent muscle strain

You can decrease your chances of straining a muscle if you take some basic precautions:

*Try not to stay in one position too long

*Take frequent breaks to move and change position. 

*Use a chair that provides good support for your lower back or use a pillow for support. 

*Try to keep your knees level with your hips.

*Maintain good posture when standing and sitting.

*If you spend a long time in one position, try to alternate putting one foot and then the other on a low footstool. This can help decrease stress on your back muscles.

*Lift objects carefully. Keep your back straight, bend at the knees, and always lift with your legs. Hold the weight close to your body. Don’t lift and twist at the same time.

*Take precautions to prevent falls, such as holding handrails on stairways, avoiding slippery surfaces, and keeping your floors uncluttered.

*Lose excess weight

*Wear shoes that fit properly.

Care must be taken both before and after exercise or any strenuous exertion to stretch out the various muscle groups. 

Women need to pay particular attention to Muscle strain since this may affect their ability to attend work or perform certain chores. 

Trinbagonian women love to wear high heels. It helps with that 'sexy' look that brings male attention. However, though this enhances the overall look of your legs and elongates them and highlights/ adds muscle tone , its detrimental when nursing a muscle strain.

Women should avoid wearing high heels during this time.

Wearing low or flat footwear to work or other activities  will aid recovery since the sole of the feet would not be arched for extended periods of time.

Sexiness is a 'state of mind' , well pedicured feet in a low lying sandal can exude the same level of attractiveness once the woman appears self-confident.

So 'Trini' women out there, Take care of your feet!!