Muscle Ache or Pain

Poor physical conditioning or excessive exercise, viral infectionm or injury can cause varying degrees of muscle ache or pain. Regular exercise helps maintain good muscle tone, preventing the soreness or cramping that comes after unaccustomed vigorous exercise. Viral infections normally clear up by themselves, and the muscle aches that accompanies them likewise disappears. Muscle injury, however, needs medical attention, particularly if there may be underlying bone injury. e.g. fracture.

Symptoms

• Muscle ache or pain, often in the arms, back, legs, neck, and shoulders.
• Muscle stiffness or soreness, which limits movement.

Common Causes

• Sudden or excessive exercise.
• Viral infection (e.g. flu)
• Muscle injury (e.g. strain, tear)
• Exposure to cold.

What you can do

• When there is muscle injury, elevate the injured part and rest for 1-2 days.
• Apply a cold compress (e.g. ice pack).
• Apply a hot compress (e.g. hot water bottle, heating pad).
• Take simple painkillers.
• Massage anti-inflammatory or pain relieving balm, cream, or ointment over the injured muscle.
• Consult a doctor if pain thta is due to muscle injury does not decrease in 5 days despite applying the recommended measures.

What your doctor can do for you

• Rule out bone injury.
• Prescribe stronger painkillers.
• Prescribe corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory medicine).