Muscle injuries occur when the muscle fibers are stretched or torn, often due to overexertion or sudden movements. Common types of muscle injuries include strains, which happen when muscles are stretched too far, and tears, which can be partial or complete. These injuries can cause pain, swelling, and limited movement, making it difficult to perform everyday activities. To prevent muscle injuries, it's important to warm up before exercising and to use proper techniques during physical activities. Strengthening exercises can also help build muscle resilience. If a muscle injury does occur, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (often referred to as RICE) are effective initial treatments to promote healing.