An oblique strain is a specific injury that affects the abdominal muscles, specifically the internal and external oblique muscles. It occurs when these muscles are stretched or torn, causing pain and discomfort in the rib cage and abdomen. Oblique strains are commonly seen in sports that require forceful twisting, rotating, or hyperextension of the spine, such as baseball, golf, tennis, soccer, and wrestling. Symptoms of an oblique strain include sudden, sharp pain near the rib cage, stiffness, aching, muscle weakness, swelling, and bruising. Coughing, sneezing, and deep breathing can exacerbate the symptoms. The preferred treatment for an oblique strain is rest and inactivity on the affected muscle. With appropriate rest, regular activity on the muscle can occur between 4 and 6 weeks, though it may take longer. To prevent oblique strains, it is recommended to warm up properly and stretch for an appropriate amount of time before activities that could strain the oblique muscles.