A sudden strenuous activity, without adequate preparation or warming up may give rise to a pulled or strained muscle. A strain is an injury in which muscle fibres are unduly stretched. Sometimes it is partially torn resulting into swelling, spasm or rigidity and pain in the affected muscle as well.
Back muscles are commonly strained when lifting a heavy weight incorrectly. Strains of thigh, arm and forearm muscles are also fairly common, especially in athletes.
In case of a sore, bruised, beaten-up feeling in the affected muscles, Arnica 30 is the remedy of choice. A dose of this remedy should be given every hour or two till relief is obtained.
On the other hand, if the pain and stiffness are worse after a period of rest Rhus tox 30 will be more helpful. Rhus tox can also be tried if Arnica seems to have helped only partially.
