Strains

Strains are injuries that damage the tendons and muscles. At Acute Care Orthopedics in West Hills, California, experienced specialists Umesh Bhagia, MD, and Nicolas Vardiabasis, DO, have extensive experience diagnosing and treating strains. They offer same-day appointments and on-site diagnostics to ensure you get fast pain relief and heal correctly. Call Acute Care Orthopedics today if you suffer a strain or book an appointment online. 

What are strains?

Strains are injuries affecting the tendons and muscles. Tendons connect your muscles to your bones. If you overstretch a tendon or muscle, it can weaken or tear. Muscular injuries often heal quickly because the tissues have a plentiful blood supply. Tendon strains can take longer to repair and often need additional treatment.

Activities like sports, working out, and jobs or pastimes that involve strenuous physical labor are the most common causes of strains. But you can pull a muscle or damage a tendon by moving awkwardly or falling.

Acute Care Orthopedics offers specialized care for patients 12 and older who experience strains. They provide same-day appointments so you can get a prompt, accurate diagnosis and fast treatment for your injury.

What are the symptoms of strains?

Strains cause acute pain that can vary in intensity. A mild strain, where the tissues are inflamed and stretched, can cause annoying pain. But a severe strain, where the tissues tear entirely, can be unbearable. In addition to pain, you might have symptoms like:

• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Redness
• Bruising
• Limited range of motion
• Muscle weakness
• Muscle spasms
• Tightness

Strain symptoms sometimes ease with rest, but if you try to resume your normal activities, it can cause a significant symptom flare-up.

How are strains diagnosed?

The experienced orthopedic specialists at Acute Care Orthopedics diagnose a strain after carefully examining the injured area.

They use their advanced skills to assess the injury and might order diagnostic imaging to confirm their initial diagnosis. These images can also help determine the extent of the damage.

Acute Care Orthopedics has on-site X-ray facilities for fast evaluations.

How are strains treated?

Treating strains starts with first aid. The sooner you rest the area, apply ice, and put on a compression bandage (where that’s possible), the better. Unless the injury is very mild, it’s advisable to visit Acute Care Orthopedics for a proper assessment.

The orthopedists might recommend a supportive splint, sling, or brace to prevent further damage and encourage natural healing. They’re also likely to refer you to physical therapy.

If you’ve suffered a severe tendon strain, your doctor might need to arrange surgery. Using minimally invasive techniques, a surgeon can repair the damage or reconstruct the tendon if it’s beyond repair.

Call Acute Care Orthopedics today for expert evaluation and treatment of your tendon or muscle strain. You can also book an appointment online.