Muscle Strain Grade I is best described as which of the following?

Muscle Strain Grade I is best described as which of the following?

• A. Few fibers torn; tenderness; full ROM present
• B. Many fibers torn; palpable divot; swelling/discoloration
• C. No tear; normal function
• D. Complete rupture

Answer: (A)

Grade I muscle strain is mild and involves only a few muscle fibers being torn. Because the damage is small, you typically have tenderness and pain with use, but the muscle retains full range of motion and near-normal strength. There may be some swelling, but there isn’t a visible defect or deformity, and function isn’t meaningfully impaired. That combination—minimal fiber disruption with preserved ROM and function—is why this description fits best. In contrast, a description of many fibers torn with a palpable divot and swelling points to a more moderate injury, where strength and ROM start to be affected. No tear with normal function would imply no real strain, and a complete rupture would involve a full tear with substantial loss of function and often deformity.

Grade I muscle strain is mild and involves only a few muscle fibers being torn. Because the damage is small, you typically have tenderness and pain with use, but the muscle retains full range of motion and near-normal strength. There may be some swelling, but there isn’t a visible defect or deformity, and function isn’t meaningfully impaired. That combination—minimal fiber disruption with preserved ROM and function—is why this description fits best.

In contrast, a description of many fibers torn with a palpable divot and swelling points to a more moderate injury, where strength and ROM start to be affected. No tear with normal function would imply no real strain, and a complete rupture would involve a full tear with substantial loss of function and often deformity.