Muscle Aches

Muscle aches and pains are common and can involve more than one muscle. Muscle pain also can involve ligaments, tendons, and fascia. Fascia are the soft tissues that connect muscles, bones, and organs. This can occur normally with muscle strengthening, exercise of fatigue and it can occur after injury.

Muscle pain is most often related to use, overuse or muscle injury from exercise or physical work. The pain tends to involve specific muscles and starts during or just after the activity. It is often obvious which activity is causing the pain. In addition, muscle pain can also be caused by viral infections systemic conditions such as connective tissues throughout the body (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or Lyme disease) can cause muscle pain. One other cause of muscle aches and fibromyalgia, a condition that causes tenderness in your muscles and surrounding soft tissue, sleep difficulties, fatigue, and headaches.

The most common causes of specific muscle aches and pains are injury or trauma such as a muscle strain or ligament strain. Overuse including using a muscle too much, too soon before warming up, or too often without sufficient exercise.

Muscle pain may also be due to medications such as blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors) or cholesterol lowering medications such as (statins).

With longer efforts in the sun electro-light imbalances with calcium, potassium or magnesium can cause muscle aches.

Infections such as Lyme disease, Rocky mountain spotted fever, malaria and a muscle abscess caused by bacteria can be a cause. Rheumatologic conditions can be the cause such as dermatomyositis, polymyalgia rheumatica, polymyositis. Falling asleep on a muscle can cause damage with rhabdomyolysis.  

For muscle pain from overuse or injury, rest the affected body part and take acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Apply ice for the first 24 to 72 hours after injury to reduce pain and inflammation. After that, heat often feels more soothing.

TREATMENT

Muscle aches from overuse and fibromyalgia often respond well to massage. Gentle stretching exercises after a rest is also helpful.

Regular exercise can help restore proper muscle tone. Walking, cycling, and swimming are good aerobic activities to try. A physical therapist can teach you stretching, toning, and aerobic exercises to help you feel better and stay pain-free. Begin slowly and increase workouts gradually. Avoid high-impact activities and weight lifting when injured or while in pain.

Be sure to get plenty of sleep and try to reduce stress. 

If home measures aren't working, your health care provider may prescribe medicine or physical therapy. You may need to be seen at a specialized clinic.

PREVENTION

·      Stretch before and after exercising.

·      Warm up before exercising and cool down afterward.

·      Drink lots of fluids before, during, and after exercise.

·      If you work in the same position most of the day (such as sitting at a computer), stretch at least every hour. 

WHEN TO SEEK HELP FROM A PHYSICIAN

·      Your muscle pain lasts more than 3 days.

·      You have any sign of infection, such as swelling or redness, drainage or fever.

·      You have poor circulation in the area where you have muscles aches (for example, in your legs).

·      You have a tick bite or a rash.

·      Your muscle pain is linked with starting or changing doses of a medicine, such as a statin.