The muscles are exposed to inflammation, wear and damage; disorders are the leading cause of chronic pain and physical disability. Most of these lesions completely relieved, but may have long-term complications.

Muscles are tissues that are distinguished by their ability to stretch and contract, and whose cells, elongated, are grouped to form fibers or fibrils. In turn, these structures are united in bundles, and several of these are ultimately up to the belly and muscular body.

With this anatomical constitution can act as "strings" of considerable resistance "pull" of the bones, cartilage, joints or other structures, in order to make possible the thousands of movements we perform our activities: walking, eating, driving a car, playing music with an instrument, make arrangements at home or use a computer.

Physical exercise allows us to give fitness and strength, but also, when the practice is inadequate, it can trigger a variety of problems:
* Cramp. It is a sudden contraction, and brief involuntary muscle fibers, which is usually associated with dehydration, poor circulation or lack of minerals such as sodium, potassium and magnesium.
* Contracture. It occurs because the muscles contract involuntarily and persistent in generating greater hardness zones (nodules) that are recognized by touch. It's painful but not serious, and is due to causes as diverse as extreme temperatures, unusual physical exertion and stress.
* Strain or pull. It is due to an effort that exceeds the capabilities of the muscle to respond appropriately: the fibers stretch more than they can and, therefore, suffer a rapid contraction, violent and painful as physical activity ceases. It happens due to lack of warming up before sport, awkward positions, heavy lifting, excessive training and force a tired or muscle contractures.

It is worth remembering that the muscles are composed of elastic fibers that have the ability to contract (shrink). They are responsible, among other things, posture and body movement, so they are attached to bones and arranged around the joints.
Causes
* Overexertion.
* A sudden jerk.
* A heavy blow.
* Prolonged stress.
* Lack of heat during exercise.

Symptoms
* Burning or puncture.
* Swelling.
* Redness in the area.

Diagnosis
* The intensity and form of pain is related to the number of affected muscle fibers and is the slightest strain.
* Muscle strain injury is a form of medium severity, and in it the pain is acute, ie, strong and penetrating.
* When the number of broken fibers is considerable, has a muscle tear, causing pain so intense that the affected area is unable to perform their usual functions.

Prevention
* Proper warm up before any sport.
* It is recommended the application of balms and ointments for heating, containing rubefacient (agents that provide heat to skin contact).

Treatment
* Rest.
* If the pain is mild, you can use an analgesic or an anti-inflammatory counter to speed recovery.
* Rubefacients (agents that provide heat to the affected area), are also used to relieve discomfort.
* If the pain is severe and does not disappear after 24 hours, consult a doctor.
Talk to your doctor.