Muscle Aches
What are muscle aches?
Muscle aches, or myalgia, are extremely common. Almost everybody has experienced discomfort in their muscles at some point.
Because there is muscle tissue in nearly all parts of the body, this type of pain can be felt practically anywhere...
What are the most common causes of muscle aches?
Often, people who experience muscle aches can easily pinpoint the cause. This is because most instances of myalgia result from too much stress, tension, or physical activity. Some common causes include:
muscle tension in one or more areas of the body
overusing the muscle during physical activity
injuring the muscle while engaging in physically demanding work or exercise
What types of medical conditions can cause muscle pain?
Not all muscle aches are related to stress, tension, and physical activity. Some medical explanations for myalgia include:
fibromyalgia
infections, such as the flu, polio, or bacterial infections
autoimmune disorders such as lupus, dermatomyositis, and polymyositis
use of certain medications or drugs, such as statins, ACE inhibitors, or cocaine
thyroid problems, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
hypokalemia (low potassium)
Easing muscle aches at home
Muscle aches often respond well to home treatment. Some measures you can take to relieve muscle discomfort from injuries and overuse include:
resting the area of the body where you are experiencing aches and pains
taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen
applying ice to the affected area to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation
You should use ice for one to three days following a strain or sprain, and apply heat for any pain that remains after three days.
Other measures that may provide relief from muscle pain include:
gently stretching the muscles
avoiding high-impact activities until after the muscle pain goes away
avoiding weight-lifting sessions until the muscle pain is resolved
giving yourself time to rest
doing stress-relieving activities and exercises such as yoga and meditation to relieve tension
When to see a doctor about muscle aches
Muscle aches are not always harmless, and in some instances, home treatment isn’t enough to address the underlying cause. Myalgia can also be a sign that something is seriously wrong in your body.
You should see your doctor for:
pain that does not go away after a few days of home treatment
severe muscle pain that arises without a clear cause
muscle pain that occurs along with a rash
muscle pain that occurs after a tick bite
myalgia accompanied by redness or swelling
pain that occurs soon after a change in the medications you take
pain that occurs with an elevated temperature
The following can be a sign of a medical emergency. Get to the hospital as soon as possible if you experience any of the following along with aching muscles:
a sudden onset of water retention or a reduction in urine volume
difficulty swallowing
vomiting or running a fever
trouble catching your breath
stiffness in your neck area
muscles that are weak
inability to move the affected area of the body