Question
QUESTION: Hi,

I'm a 22 year old and active person. I play football (soccer) some 3,4 days a week. Suddenly whilst in a football game I felt some pain on top of my left leg I felt I pulled a muscle. I stopped playing and have asked friends for advice who told me to rest for 4 weeks or so. The day after I felt more pain not really much pain just some undesired burning sensation. I think on the 2nd day it spread to my right leg a little bit. On the 3rd day I did some small leg exercises that online websites said were good for these injuries. Right now I don抰 feel the pain at all however if I lift my leg I feel it. When I walk no pain at all. Now a guy I asked for advice said not to do any exercises just rest and I am wondering if I should exercise it or just rest for several weeks.

Also how long is this likely to take and what else can I do or should I do?

Many Thanks.




ANSWER: Hi Mark,

As you know it is difficult to give a precise answer without an exam.  It sounds as if you have a simple muscle strain from overuse.  Usually, a bit of stretching and rest will allow that to heal enough in a few days to a week.  

At that point careful activity may well help.  Possibly with a wrap.  

If it doesn't clear up like that, see a doctor for an opinion.  The site below may help you find a doc nearby.

Hope this helps.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi, When i rest for a while and do a few stretches it becomes reduced its still there but not much and when i return to sport it comes up as soon as i start running. I've also spoken to a friend who said he has been resting for 4 weeks and everytime he attempts to play football that pain gets to him and i do not want to endup like him, therefore i want to take the least risky and best possible way. Also is this very dangerous?

Would alot of stretching exercises be advisable as some people have told me to do so and others the contrary.

Thanks

Answer
Hi again,

If this has been going on for weeks, you need to get checked by a doc.  The odds are that it is not dangerous.  But these things can become chronic and you want to rule out the dangerous possibilities.

Chiropractic doctors are very much into the "least risky" approach.

Wish I could be more specific.  But all of these pesky electrons are in the way.