Muscle strains can affect kids at any age. Being as active as they are from playing with toys with friends to playing with sports equipment at school. Kids may experience muscle strains because they are active and are more susceptible to injury due to their age.

They may be more likely to overexert themselves, leading to a strain. They may also suffer from muscle strains due to poor stretching and warm-up techniques, improper technique during exercise, and playing on hard surfaces.

If your child has suffered an injury or is complaining about a sore muscle, they may require urgent care. Please contact Night Lite Pediatrics directly for assistance. We offer pediatric muscle strain treatments to children living and visiting in the state of Florida.

Contact us if you have any questions regarding this condition, diagnosis, or treatment options.

What is a pediatric muscle strain?

A pediatric muscle strain is an injury to a muscle in a child or adolescent caused by overstretching or tearing. It is usually caused by overuse or repetitive motion, such as sports activities, or by acute trauma, such as a fall or collision.

Common causes of muscle strain in kids

There are many reasons why your child might have a strained muscle. Kids are very active and prone to falls and injuries.

Some causes include:

  • Overuse: Doing too much exercise or physical activity for the amount of strength and endurance the muscle has developed.
  • Muscle Imbalance: When one muscle group is stronger than its opposing group, leading to an imbalance in the body’s structure.
  • Posture: Poor posture can increase the strain on a muscle group.
  • Lifting Heavy Objects: Lifting heavy objects or engaging in weight-bearing activities can cause strain on a muscle group.
  • Lack of Flexibility: When a muscle is not stretched and warmed up properly before physical activity, it can be more prone to injury.
  • Poor Nutrition: A lack of essential nutrients can make muscles more prone to strain and injury.
  • Accidental Injury: When playing sports or playing with friends an accidental fall can cause muscle strain. Sports injuries are common in children.
pediatric muscle strain florida
muscle strain in kids

Symptoms of muscle strain in children

There can be several symptoms that may point towards a muscle strain, they include:

  • Pain in the affected area
  • Tenderness in the affected area
  • Muscle spasms
  • Swelling and bruising
  • Difficulty moving the affected area
  • Weakness in the affected area
  • Limited range of motion in the affected area

In more severe cases, if children do not receive proper treatment for a muscle strain, they may experience recurrent episodes of:

  • muscle strain
  • chronic muscle weakness
  • decreased range of motion in the affected area
  • the formation of scar tissue
  • nerve damage
  • joint instability

If the muscle strain is severe, there is a risk of compartment syndrome, which occurs when the swelling of the muscle causes increased pressure in the area, leading to decreased blood flow and nerve damage. If left untreated, compartment syndrome can cause permanent nerve damage.

Treating muscle strain in kids

Muscle strain treatment in children will be determined by which area of the body is injured as well as the severity of the muscle strain.

Some treatments include:

  • Rest: Have your child rest the affected muscle for at least a few days. Avoid any activity that puts strain on the muscle.
  • Ice: Apply an ice pack to the affected muscle for 15 to 20 minutes four times a day to reduce swelling and pain.
  • Compression: Wrap the muscle with an elastic bandage to reduce swelling.
  • Elevation: Have your child keep the injured area elevated to reduce swelling.
  • Pain relievers: Give your child over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, if recommended by your child’s doctor.
  • Physical therapy: Your child’s doctor may recommend physical therapy to help strengthen the affected muscle.
  • Massage: Massaging the affected muscle can help reduce pain and improve circulation.
  • Visit your urgent care doctor to rule out the possibility of fractures or broken bones if the pain is severe.
treating muscle strain in kids

What is the cost of muscle strain treatment?

Muscle strain treatment costs at one of our urgent care clinics will vary depending on the injury, if tests such as X-rays are necessary and the recommended treatment plan. For more information on the cost please contact us directly.

We also accept most major medical health insurances as well as self-pay options.

Urgent Care near me for muscle strain treatment

Night Lite Pediatrics is an excellent choice for treating your child’s muscle strain. The staff is highly trained and experienced in pediatric care, and they are committed to providing the highest level of care for your child.

We are conveniently open after hours from 4 pm to late, 7 days a week, which makes it easy to get care for your child when needed. You can rest assured that your child will receive the best possible care from the team at Night Lite Pediatrics. They will take the time to listen to your concerns and provide you with the best treatment options for your child.

Our clinics are open seven days a week, accommodating walk-ins, suggetsed arrival times and telemedicine. You can contact us at any of our 13 Florida locations listed below:

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Muscle strain treatment

FAQ

Below you can find a list of common questions and answers regarding children’s muscle strain treatments.

Yes, sports medicine can help treat and manage sports-related injuries in children. Sports medicine specialists are trained to diagnose and treat muscle injuries.

Muscle strains in children can be serious, depending on the severity of the strain. Mild strains may cause soreness and discomfort but can generally be treated with rest and over-the-counter medications.

More severe strains can cause pain and swelling, which may require medical attention and physical therapy.

This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.

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