What is NOT a common characteristic of muscular strain?

A muscular strain typically results from overstretching or tearing of muscle fibers, often due to overexertion or sudden movements. One of the defining characteristics of a muscular strain is localized pain, which occurs at the site of injury. This pain is often accompanied by muscle spasms, as the body attempts to protect the injured area, and may lead to a limited range of motion because the affected muscle or surrounding tissues are less able to move as freely as they should.

Extreme joint instability, however, is not a common characteristic of a muscular strain. Joint instability usually stems from ligament injuries or joint pathology rather than solely from muscle strains. While a strain can affect how a joint feels (due to pain and reduced movement), it does not inherently compromise the structural integrity of the joint itself to the degree seen in joint instability. Therefore, recognizing that joint instability is not associated with a muscular strain helps distinguish it from symptoms related to different types of injuries.