How to Treat Pulled Leg Muscles

Pulled leg muscles are common in athletes, and occur most frequently in the calf and thigh muscles. Swelling and inflammation often follows a muscle pull, and it may take a few weeks before the muscle is healed. In more serious cases, the injury may require surgery, but often the injury can be treated at home. During this time, it is important not to add strain to the muscle, and rest is essential. Steps to reduce inflammation must also be taken.

Things You'll Need

• Ice
• Compression bandage

Instructions

1. Apply ice to the muscle immediately after the injury. This will help to reduce swelling.

2. Elevate the leg for at least a day to reduce the inflammation and prevent further swelling.

3. Apply a compression bandage from below the pulled muscle, ideally starting from the feet up to the injury. This prevents blood from getting blocked below the muscle, ultimately causing it to swell further.

4. Avoid any form of activity that requires you to use your legs in any kind of vigorous way. The muscle needs time to heal properly, and if your strain it further, it may turn into a chronic injury.

5. Apply anti-inflammatory cremes or take over-the-counter pain killers to alleviate the pain and swelling.