How To Know Muscle Pain Symptoms

By Dorthy Swanson


Muscle pain is also known by the name myalgia. It refers to pain that is felt in the muscles. These pains are very common, with almost everybody having experienced them at some point of their life. The body is made of muscles in almost every part. As a result, these pains can be felt in almost any part of the body. Muscle pain symptoms may vary with the location where the aching occurs.

People experiencing these pains can often tell the cause easily. This is because, in most cases, myalgia is caused by excessive physical activity, tension, or stress. Muscle tension may occur in a single part of the body or in multiple parts. During physical exercise, people also tend to overuse their muscles, which leads to aching. Injury is also a common cause of myalgia.

Not all instances of myalgia are related to physical activity, tension, or stress. There are also medical explanations that may cause the problem. Some common medical causes are hypokalemia, thyroid problems, infections, use of certain drugs or medications, fibromyalgia, and autoimmune disorder. Low potassium content in the body causes hypokalemia. Examples of drugs and medications that may cause myalgia are cocaine, statins, and ACE inhibitors.

Myalgia is also caused by certain infections. Major infections include bacterial infections, flu, and polio. Some of the autoimmune disorders that are associated with myalgia are polymyositis, lupus, and derematomyositis. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism both cause myalgia too. The length of time the ache remains is dependent on the cause. In most cases, it will take a few days to disappear while in others, it may take months. It is highly advisable to see a doctor for pains that last more than just a few days.

The pain can be eased using various home remedies during the first few days it starts to be felt. In most cases, the aching will respond to these remedies and go away after some days. The first remedy is to rest the region where the pains are being felt. The best way to do this is to lie or sit down. Ibuprofen, paracetamol or similar over-the-counter painkillers can be taken. If the place is inflamed and painful, one may apply an ice pack.

The problem can be eased by stretching the aching muscle gently. One can also rub it gently using an ointment. While the muscles still ache, it is advisable to stay away from high-impact activities such as weightlifting. One may engage in stress-relieving exercises like meditation to see if the problem gets better.

There is a limit to the use of home remedies beyond which one should see a doctor about the problem. Persistent myalgia could be suggestive of a more serious underlying medical condition. One should see a doctor if the pain lasts for more than a few days even after applying home remedy.

Additionally, one should see a doctor if the paining is severe and the cause is not clear. Myalgia that is accompanied by a rash, swelling, elevated body temperature, or redness around the area also need to be checked by a doctor. Myalgia should be treated as a medical emergency if it causes difficulty swallowing, weakness, immobility in the area, and difficulty breathing.




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