MUSCLE PAIN

Overview & Facts

Muscle pain is a symptom arising from different muscle conditions, or it can simply be due to tension or stress in the muscle.  The medical term for muscle pain is myalgia, and it can range from mild to excruciating pain.  Usually, this pain goes away after a few days, but the more severe ones can last for months.

Muscle pain may arise due to injury or overexertion, infections of the soft tissues, or inflammatory conditions. A number of conditions can be associated with generalized aches and pain, such as influenza, that are perceived to be muscle pain. Muscle pain can be localized to one muscle group or diffuse, involving multiple muscle groups. Muscle pain due to injury or overuse is most commonly localized to one area.

Types & Symptoms

Muscle pain is the hallmark symptom of some chronic conditions like fibromyalgia. Related symptoms that can occur with muscle pain:

  • Tenderness or pain when touched,
  • swelling,
  • redness, or
  • fever

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

Schedule an office visit if you have:

  • A tick bite or rash.
  • Muscle pain, especially in your calves, that occurs with exercise and resolves with rest.
  • Signs of infection, such as redness and swelling, around a sore muscle.
  • Muscle pain after you start taking or increase the dosage of a medication — particularly statins, which are used to control cholesterol.
  • Muscle pain that lasts longer than a week.

 

RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS

Muscle pain that occurs during an activity usually signals a “pulled” or strained muscle. These types of injuries usually respond well to R.I.C.E. therapy:

  • Take a break from your normal activities.
  • Place an ice pack or bag of frozen peas on the sore area for 15 to 20 minutes three times a day.
  • Use a compression bandage to reduce swelling.
  • Elevate your foot to help reduce swelling.

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