Did I Pull a Muscle or Am I Just Sore?

It’s normal to feel sore after a workout or a long run. However, if you’re one of the lucky ones who aren’t used to feeling sore after being physically active, it can be tempting to think that something is more wrong with your body than it is and that you may have pulled a muscle.

Truthfully, the difference between muscle soreness and muscle strain is quite stark, and our AFC Urgent Care Boulder team further elaborates on that below.

How Can I Tell If I’ve Pulled a Muscle?

Yes, deciphering the difference between muscle soreness and a pulled muscle can be difficult if you don’t know what to be on the lookout for, but the two are quite different.

As opposed to muscle soreness, the pain of a pulled muscle, or muscle strain, is usually immediate. In fact, the pain from a pulled muscle is intense, sharp and localized to where the injury occurred, and it can also be associated with swelling, bruising and difficulty moving the joints nearby. We’ve listed some additional symptoms of a pulled muscle (muscle strain) below.

Symptoms of Muscle Strain

  • Sudden onset of pain
  • Soreness
  • Limited range of movement
  • Bruising or discoloration
  • Swelling
  • A “knotted-up” feeling
  • Muscle spasms
  • Stiffness
  • Weakness

What Actually Happens When I Pull a Muscle?

When you pull a muscle, the surrounding muscle fibers are stretched or torn.

If you’ve pulled a muscle, don’t hesitate to visit our AFC center to get the treatment you need! In the meantime, try the below-listed R.I.C.E. method to help reduce the swelling of your muscle.

R.I.C.E. Method

  • Rest. Even if your muscle strain is fairly minor, you should avoid physical activity for at least 24 hours.
  • Ice. As soon as you feel your muscle or tendon strain, grab an ice pack. Apply ice for 15–20 minutes every two to three hours, and follow this routine for the first few days after your injury.
  • Compression. Compressing your strained muscle reduces the swelling.
  • Elevation. Elevating your injury above the level of your heart will help to reduce the pain and swelling.

Whether you’ve pulled a muscle or need a rapid test, don’t hesitate to visit our AFC Urgent Care Boulder team today for all your non-emergency medical needs!