1. Pain: Pain is a hallmark symptom of muscle injuries. The pain may range from mild to severe, and usually localised to the injured muscle. There is usually one local area within the muscle that is painful on palpation.
2. Swelling: Swelling often occurs as a result of inflammation and fluid accumulation within the injured muscle tissue. The affected area may appear swollen, tender to the touch, and may feel warm or hot due to inflammation
3. Bruising: Bruising, or discoloration of the skin, may develop as a result of bleeding into the surrounding tissues following a muscle injury. The skin may appear discolored, ranging from red or purple to blue or black, depending on the severity of the injury and extent of bleeding.
4. Weakness: Muscle weakness or loss of strength may occur following a muscle injury, especially if the injury involves significant damage to the muscle fibres. Contracting the injured muscle is often painful and less power can be generated on assessment.
5. Stiffness: Stiffness and limited range of motion are common symptoms of muscle injuries, particularly during the acute phase of injury. The injured muscle may feel tight, tense, or stiff when trying to stretch.

Diagnosing a muscle injury typically involves a combination of clinical assessment, physical examination, and, in some cases, imaging studies such as MRI or ultrasound. While imaging studies such as ultrasound and MRI can provide valuable information about the extent and nature of muscle injuries, they are not always required for every case. In many instances, muscle injuries can be diagnosed and managed based on clinical assessment alone.

ITB syndrome, or iliotibial band syndrome, is a common overuse injury characterised by pain on the outside of the knee. The iliotibial band (ITB) is a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh, from the hip to the knee. ITB syndrome occurs when the ITB compresses and rubs against the outside of the knee joint.

The symptoms of ITB syndrome typically include:

• Pain on the outside of the knee, which may be sharp or stabbing and worsen with activity. For runners this will typically come on after a certain distance.
• Tenderness and swelling along the outside of the knee joint.
• Pain that worsens during activities that involve bending and straightening the knee, such as running, cycling, or descending stairs.
• Pain that may radiate up the outside of the thigh or down the leg.
• There is usually no history of trauma.