The most common muscle injury is a strain. A strain results from the stretching and tearing of muscle fibers or tendons (fibrous bands connecting muscle to adjacent bone). 

SEVERITY OF STRAINS:

Grade I

• Mild strain, mild pain
• Stretching of muscle or tendon

Grade II

• Moderate to severe pain, 
• Stretching and partial tear of muscle or tendon
• Moderate loss of function

Grade III

• Severe pain
• Complete tear of muscle or tendon
• Usually requires some form of immobilization lasting several weeks
• Loss of function (functional disability) and necessity for crutches
• Usually managed conservatively with rehabilitation exercises, but a small percentage may require surgery

TREATMENT:

Most strains heal completely within a few weeks. With increasing injury severity, the rehabilitation process becomes more complex and extensive. 

The so-called PRICE regimen is an often used program for the treatment of a strain:

• Protection
• Rest
• Ice
• Compression
• Elevation

Additionally treat with the use of anti-inflammatory pain medicines. The most acceptable over-the-counter medications of this type are Ibuprofen and Naproxen Sodium and should be taken in the dosages indicated on the packaging.