A strain is a twist, pull and/or tear of a muscle and/or tendon. Tendons are fibrous cords of tissue that attach muscles to bone. Strains and sprains [1] are among the most common sports injuries. However, because the growth plates at the end of the major bones in a child's arms and legs are open, pain at a joint should be evaluated by a doctor because it may be a fracture, not a simple strain or sprain, which become more common as a child matures and the growth plates close.
There are two types of strains:
Chronic strains that result from overuse (prolonged, repetitive movement) of muscles and tendons, or inadequate rest during intensive training
Acute strains that result from a direct blow to the body, overstretching, or excessive muscle contraction.
There are three classes of strains:
Mild strains, in which the muscle/tendon is slightly stretched or pulled.
Moderate strains, in which the muscle/tendon is overstretched and slightly torn, which results in some loss of function
Severe strains, in which the muscle and/or tendon is partially or completely ruptured, often resulting in an incapacitating injury.
The two most common strains are:
Back strain: a twisting, pulling, or tearing of the muscles supporting
the spine.
Hamstring muscle strain: a tear or stretch of a major muscle in the back of the thigh most likely caused by a muscle strength imbalance between the hamstrings and the quadriceps muscles in the front of the thigh. Hamstring injuries tend to recur.
Symptoms
If your child has a strain, he will likely have one or more of the following symptoms:
Pain
Muscle spasm
Muscle weakness
Swelling
Inflammation
Cramping
Type of Sport Activity |
Type of Strain |
Contact sports in general |
Elbow, shoulder, back |
Track and field events featuring quick starts (hurdling, long jump, sprints) |
Hamstring [2] |
Sports involving gripping (gymnastics, racquet sports, rowing, golf) |
Hand, wrist, [3] fingers and forearms. |
Racquet sports, sports involving throwing (football, baseball, softball, javelin) |
Elbow, shoulder |
Sports involving jumping (basketball, volleyball) |
Back strain, hamstring [2] |
Sports involving running |
Hamstring [2] |
Sports involving kicking (football, soccer) |
Hamstring [2] |
Experts, including the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, recommend the treatment of strains as follows:
RICE [4] (rest, ice, compression, elevation) will usually help minimize the damage.
Evaluation of the injury by a doctor (except for mild cases) to establish a treatment and rehabilitation plan.
Surgery for a severe strain may be required or immobilization followed by months of therapy.
Mild strains may require rehabilitation exercises and activity modification
during recovery.
Links:
[1] https://www.momsteam.com/node/284
[2] https://www.momsteam.com/node/2872
[3] https://www.momsteam.com/node/1907
[4] https://www.momsteam.com/node/288
[5] https://www.momsteam.com/users/gwenn-okeeffe
[6] https://www.momsteam.com/health-safety/muscles-joints-bones/ankle-foot/ankle-sprains-recognition-and-treatment
[7] https://www.momsteam.com/health-safety/general-safety/first-aid/P.R.I.C.E.-protection-rest-ice-compression-and-elevation-rice-first-aid-sports-injury
[8] https://www.momsteam.com/health-safety/hamstring-injury-treatment