Final answer:
A strain is the correct answer to the injury resulting from the overuse or overstretching of a muscle, sometimes involving tendons, and it can exhibit symptoms like stiffness and bruising. Treatment often involves the first aid steps represented by the acronym PRICE and the use of NSAIDs.
Step-by-step explanation:
A strain is an injury that results from overuse, overstretching, or forcible stretching of a muscle beyond its functional capacity, and it sometimes involves a tendon or ligament. This condition is where muscle fibers tear due to overexertion and can range from mild to severe in pain levels, often presenting with symptoms such as stiffness and bruising.
Hamstring strains, for example, are quite prevalent in track and field athletes, particularly sprinters. To treat a muscle strain, the acronym PRICE (protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation) is commonly referenced as the first aid steps to follow. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also be used to alleviate inflammation and pain.
Tendinitis is another condition that implies inflammation of a tendon due to it being over-extended or worked too hard, and similar to muscle strains, it can also be managed using PRICE and NSAIDs. Repetitive motions or overuse in certain jobs or sports increase the risk of tendinitis, and in severe cases, it may require surgical repair.