Muscle Strain

What causes muscle strains?

  • A strain is a muscle tear. Muscle tears typically occur under an eccentric load, meaning that the muscle is forcibly lengthened when it is contracting (shortening).    

Is surgery necessary for bone contusions?

  • Surgery is not necessary for this type of injury.

What is the prognosis?

  • A muscle strain heals over time and any treatments for this kind of injury are intended for symptoms.

Recent Muscle Strain

  • LeBron James was diagnosed with a left groin strain on December 26th, 2018. (See muscle strain for more details). During a game against the Golden State Warriors, James hyperextended his leg and felt a pop.  He had an MRI, which is not typical for this type of injury, but seems increasingly routine for athletes for unclear reasons.  A muscle strain heals over time and any treatments for this kind of injury are intended for symptoms. The plan for return to play depends on comfort of the player.