Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) Practice Exam

What typically causes a strain?

1. Direct trauma to the bone

2. Overuse or overstretching

3. Sudden impact from a fall

4. Frozen muscles

The correct answer is: Overuse or overstretching

A strain is typically caused by overuse or overstretching of muscles or tendons. When a muscle or tendon is subjected to more force than it can handle, whether through excessive movement, lifting, or sudden stretching, it can lead to microscopic tears. These tears result in pain, swelling, and reduced mobility, which are characteristic symptoms of a strain. In contrast, direct trauma to the bone pertains more to fractures or contusions rather than strains. A sudden impact from a fall may cause various injuries, including strains, but it is not the primary cause. Frozen muscles, which imply stiffness and reduced flexibility, can contribute to a strain if they are forced to stretch beyond their capacity, but they are not a direct cause in the way overuse or overstretching is. Thus, understanding the mechanisms behind muscle and tendon injuries is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.