Which statement best describes strains?

Which statement best describes strains?

• A. May have heard the injury
• B. Swelling occurs immediately
• C. Bleeding into the joint
• D. Pain and tenderness can be significant but usually 'discomfort' is more likely—extreme point tenderness

Answer: (D)

Strains are injuries to muscle or tendon from overstretching or tearing. The telltale sign is pain and tenderness in the affected area, especially with movement, but the pain is typically more a general discomfort than an extremely pinpoint or extreme tenderness. Swelling can occur, but it isn’t guaranteed to appear immediately, and bleeding into a joint is not a usual feature of a strain. A popping sound at the time of injury or immediate joint swelling points more toward other injuries such as a ligament tear or fracture. So, the description that emphasizes noticeable pain and tenderness along with overall discomfort—rather than extreme focal tenderness—matches how strains commonly present.

Strains are injuries to muscle or tendon from overstretching or tearing. The telltale sign is pain and tenderness in the affected area, especially with movement, but the pain is typically more a general discomfort than an extremely pinpoint or extreme tenderness. Swelling can occur, but it isn’t guaranteed to appear immediately, and bleeding into a joint is not a usual feature of a strain. A popping sound at the time of injury or immediate joint swelling points more toward other injuries such as a ligament tear or fracture. So, the description that emphasizes noticeable pain and tenderness along with overall discomfort—rather than extreme focal tenderness—matches how strains commonly present.