What is a common sign of a muscle strain?

A common sign of a muscle strain is swelling and localized pain. When a muscle strain occurs, either due to an overstretched or torn muscle, the body responds with inflammation in the affected area. This inflammatory response results in swelling, which can lead to tenderness and localized pain around the injured muscle. The pain can vary in intensity and may be aggravated by movement or palpation of the area.

Additionally, the swelling serves as a protective mechanism, highlighting the area of injury and sometimes making it more sensitive to touch. This symptom is crucial for identifying the nature of the injury, as it indicates damage to muscle fibers and surrounding tissues. The presence of localized pain and swelling generally helps differentiate a muscle strain from other conditions, reinforcing the significance of these symptoms in physical assessments.