A mild sensation of tension may be acceptable during a controlled stretch, but sharp pain is a reason to reassess what is happening.

Continuing to force the same movement could potentially aggravate an underlying strain or irritation.

Instead, allow the affected area to relax and observe what happens.

Does the pain disappear quickly?

Does it remain?

Does swelling develop?

Can you still move the arm normally?

These details can provide useful information about the severity of the problem.

What a Muscle Strain Can Feel Like

A muscle strain doesn't always look dramatic.

Sometimes the first symptom is simply a sudden sharp sensation at the moment the tissue is stretched or contracted.

Other symptoms can include:

• Localized tenderness
• Pain when moving the affected muscle
• Muscle weakness
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Stiffness
• Difficulty using the affected arm normally

A minor strain may improve with rest and time.

A more significant injury can require professional evaluation and rehabilitation.

The important point is that you shouldn't attempt to diagnose the severity solely from how the injury looks in a photograph.

What If the Pain Is Near the Elbow?

The elbow is a particularly complicated area because several muscles and tendons cross the joint.

Pain around the elbow can be associated with the muscles of the forearm, upper arm, or shoulder.

For example, repeated gripping, lifting, sports, or repetitive arm movements can irritate tendons around the elbow.

A sudden stretch may then make the pain much more noticeable.

If someone experiences persistent elbow pain, weakness, swelling, or difficulty bending and straightening the arm, medical assessment may be appropriate.

The same applies if the pain keeps returning whenever the arm is used.

What If the Arm Looks Different?

This is where the situation becomes more concerning.

If an injury is accompanied by a visible change in the shape of the arm, significant swelling, major bruising, or a sudden change in the contour of a muscle, the person should not simply assume it is a minor strain.