What are common signs of a muscle strain?

The correct choice regarding common signs of a muscle strain includes pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the muscle. When a muscle strain occurs, it typically involves the stretching or tearing of muscle fibers, resulting in immediate pain at the site of the injury. This pain can vary in intensity depending on the severity of the strain. Along with pain, inflammation often develops, leading to swelling around the affected area.

Difficulty moving the muscle is also a key indicator of a strain because the injury affects the muscle's ability to contract and perform its normal function. This can manifest as weakness or an inability to use the muscle effectively, which further confirms the diagnosis of a muscle strain.

Other options, while they may indicate different types of injuries or conditions, do not represent the primary signs of a muscle strain. For example, numbness and tingling could suggest nerve involvement or compromise, which is not typical for a muscle strain. Bruising and discoloration may occur alongside a muscle strain but are not defining characteristics. Lastly, a popping noise may be associated with certain injuries, like ligament tears or tendon ruptures, rather than a muscle strain itself.