A strain is when a muscle becomes overstretched and tears. This painful injury, also called a "pulled muscle," can be caused by an accident, improper use of a muscle, or overuse of a muscle. Strains are of 3 types:
- Mild (Grade I)-Slightly pulled muscle without tearing of muscle or tendon fibers. There is no loss of strength.
- Moderate (Grade II)- Tearing of fibers in a muscle, tendon or at the attachment to bone. Strength is diminished.
- Severe (Grade III)-Rupture of the muscle-tendon-bone attachment with separation of fibers. Severe strain requires surgical repair. Chronic strains are caused by overuse. Acute strains are caused by direct injury or overstress.
- Excessive physical activity or effort
- Improperly warming up before a physical activity
- Poor flexibility
- Prolonged overuse of muscle-tendon units in the elbow
- Sudden, forceful hyperextension of the elbow
- Single violent injury or force applied to the elbow
- Pain and difficulty moving the injured muscle
- Discolored and bruised skin
- Pain when moving or stretching the elbow.
- Muscle spasm in the elbow area.
- Swelling over the injury
- Loss of strength (moderate or severe strain)
- Crepitation ("crackling") feeling and sound when the injured area is pressed with fingers
- Calcification of muscles or tendons (visible with X-rays)
- Inflammation of a tendon sheath