A medical lead includes a lead body, an electrical connector, an electrical conductor, and a sleeve. The lead body includes a distal end and a proximal end defining a longitudinal axis of the lead body. The electrical connector is positioned near the proximal end of the lead body. The electrical conductor extends about the longitudinal axis of the lead body. The sleeve is coupled to an insulative material of the lead body and positioned around the electrical conductor. The electrical conductor is electrically coupled to the electrical connector. The sleeve is not fixed to the electrical conductor. In response to bending of the medical lead, the conductor may move within the sleeve to relieve strain created by the bending.