Bromley Sports Injury Clinic
Sprained Ankle – Symptoms & Treatment in Bromley
Key Points
A muscle strain occurs when muscle fibres are overstretched or torn, often during sports, lifting, or sudden movements.
Symptoms include sudden pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected area.
At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, we provide osteopathic care, ultrasound imaging, blood tests, and rehabilitation to speed recovery and reduce the risk of recurrence.
What is a Muscle Strain?
A muscle strain (often called a “pulled muscle”) happens when the muscle fibres overstretch or tear.
They can range from mild overstretching to complete muscle tears, and are classified by severity:
-
Grade 1: Mild overstretching with minor pain
-
Grade 2: Partial tear, moderate swelling and weakness
-
Grade 3: Severe or complete tear, loss of muscle function
Strains can affect any muscle but are common in the hamstrings, quadriceps, calf, and back muscles.
👉 Related: Sprained Ankle | Tendon Injuries
Symptoms of a Muscle Strain
-
Sudden sharp pain at the time of injury
-
Swelling, bruising, or muscle spasm
-
Weakness or difficulty using the muscle
-
Pain when contracting or stretching the muscle
-
Stiffness and reduced range of motion
Causes & Risk Factors
-
Sudden increase in training or activity
-
Poor warm-up before exercise
-
Muscle fatigue or weakness
-
Previous injury to the same muscle
-
Tight muscles or lack of flexibility
-
Poor biomechanics or overcompensation after another injury (e.g. tendon injuries)
Diagnosis of a Muscle Strain
At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, diagnosis may include:
-
Osteopathic assessment – testing muscle strength, range of motion, and palpation
-
Ultrasound imaging – to assess the degree of muscle damage and rule out associated tendon injuries
-
Blood tests – for recurrent strains, assessing vitamin D, magnesium, and metabolic health
-
Referral – for MRI if a severe tear or complete rupture is suspected
Self-Help for Muscle Strain
-
Rest and avoid aggravating activities
-
Apply ice in the first 48 hours to reduce swelling
-
Gentle compression and elevation if swollen
-
Begin light stretching and mobility once pain allows
-
Gradually reintroduce strengthening exercises
-
Avoid pushing too hard too soon (risk of reinjury)
Treatment Options at Bromley Sports Injury Clinic
✅ Osteopathic care – soft tissue release, joint mobilisation, swelling management
✅ Exercise rehabilitation – progressive strengthening and flexibility programme
✅ Sports massage – reduces scar tissue and restores mobility
✅ Ultrasound imaging – monitors healing and rules out tendon involvement
✅ Blood testing – checks for deficiencies affecting muscle recovery
✅ Return-to-sport planning – phased rehab to prevent reinjury
Prevention
-
Warm up properly before exercise
-
Incorporate flexibility and mobility drills
-
Strengthen muscles around joints to support stability
-
Address biomechanical issues to prevent overload on muscles and tendons
-
Allow adequate recovery between intense sessions
-
Stay hydrated and maintain good nutrition for muscle health
FAQs – Muscle Strain
Q: How long does a muscle strain take to heal?
Mild strains may heal in 1–2 weeks, moderate in 4–6 weeks, and severe strains can take several months.
Q: Do I need a scan?
Ultrasound is useful to confirm muscle damage and check for associated tendon injuries. MRI may be needed for severe tears.
Q: Can a strain lead to other injuries?
Yes. A poorly rehabilitated strain can increase the risk of sprains or further muscle/tendon injuries.
Q: Why are blood tests useful?
They can highlight metabolic or nutritional factors that delay muscle healing, such as vitamin D or magnesium deficiency.
Book Your Appointment
Don’t let a muscle strain hold you back. Book your muscle strain assessment in Bromley today for fast diagnosis, treatment, and a tailored recovery plan.
📍 Bromley Sports Injury Clinic | Same-week appointments available