Glossary
Strain
Quick answer
A strain is an overstretch or tear of a muscle or tendon, the tissue that moves a joint, rather than a ligament. Around the knee it usually affects the hamstrings, quadriceps or calf, and most strains heal with graded rehabilitation, notes Doha knee surgeon Dr. Pablo Gelber at Aman Hospital.
Strain versus sprain
The two words sound alike but describe different tissues. A sprain injures a ligament, which joins bone to bone. A strain injures a muscle or the tendon that attaches it to bone. People often say they pulled a muscle, which is a strain.
Near the knee, common sites are the hamstrings at the back of the thigh, the quadriceps at the front, and the calf muscle just below the back of the knee.
Does it matter?
Most strains are mild to moderate and recover over a few weeks. They are common in sprinting, football and gym work, and in Qatar's heat dehydration and fatigue can make them more likely.
A strain matters more when the tendon itself is torn. A complete quadriceps or patellar tendon rupture stops you straightening the leg and usually needs surgery within days, so it should not be dismissed as a simple pulled muscle.
How it is assessed and treated
Examination finds the tender spot and checks strength. Ultrasound or MRI shows the size and site of a tear when it is not clear. Treatment is usually relative rest, then progressive stretching and strengthening with a physiotherapist before a gradual return to sport.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a strain take to heal?
A mild strain often settles in two to three weeks, and a moderate one in several weeks. Larger tears take longer, and a full return to sprinting should follow a graded programme.
Can I keep playing with a strain?
Playing through pain risks turning a small tear into a larger one. Stop, rest it and get it assessed if you cannot walk normally or the pain is sharp.
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