muscle soreness treatment

Knowing what causes your upper arm muscle pain and its treatment helps relieve this common problem. Jonathan Cluett, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery. In addition to muscle pain, the skin around the painful muscle may become swollen and discolored. Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland) may cause muscle aches and cramps in addition to other symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, constipation, cold intolerance, dry skin, and/or menstrual irregularities. A number of conditions can be associated with generalized aches and pain, such as influenza, that are perceived to be muscle pain. Learn more about its functions and the causes and treatment of trapezius pain. The causes of sore calf muscles can include: Age; Using the calf muscle too much; An injury to the calf muscle; Struggling to come up with a reason as to why the calf muscles are sore can be frustrating, particularly if the calf muscle pain develops slowly. Muscle soreness (also known as delayed onset muscle soreness or “DOMS”) is something we can all relate to. If your muscle pain was a result of a medication or treatment, removing that medication may relieve your discomfort. Should You Work Out When You're Sore? Pulling muscles can also cause muscle soreness. Serious exercisers might find relief from post-workout soreness by taking in some protein. Many people combine medications with other therapies that relieve muscle stiffness and pain. Cleveland Clinic. 2018;151(3):179–188. Once the muscle relaxes (usually within seconds), your calf often feels sore. Here are some common treatments and the rationale for their effectiveness. Int Sch Res Notices. Polymyalgia Rheumatica. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Muscle pain can also involve ligaments, tendons and soft tissues. 2017;122(3):559-570. doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00971.2016, Ⓒ 2021 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. This sudden, tight, intense lower leg pain is sometimes called a "charley horse." Cold bath. Is Your Calf Muscle Pain Just a Strain or Something Else? Allen RE, Kirby KA. Both DOMS and acute muscle soreness tend to feel more global than an actual injury—your whole leg or glutes area might be sore, for example. This allows microtears in the muscle fibers to heal, which makes the muscle stronger. The most common causes of muscle pain are tension, stress, overuse and minor injuries. NSAIDs, like Aleve (naproxen) or Motrin (ibuprofen), are recommended in the treatment of some muscle pain conditions, such as muscle strains/injury and myofascial pain syndrome. This type of pain is usually localized, affecting just a few muscles or a small part of your body. Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is exercise-related muscle pain. You can feel bogged down with irritation and annoyance and not be able to get on with your life. For example, you could feel muscle weakness, soreness, aches, stiffness, or cramps. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as Elavil (amitriptyline), are sometimes prescribed for the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, or chronic fatigue syndrome. Stretching to prevent or reduce muscle soreness after exercise. Pain in the Neck? It develops after excessive and unaccustomed exercise. Cheung K, Hume P, Maxwell L. Delayed onset muscle soreness: treatment strategies and performance factors. Compress by gently wrapping with an Ace or other elastic bandage. Carol Eustice is a writer covering arthritis and chronic illness, who herself has been diagnosed with both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. However, it can also indicate an underlying medical issue, including deep vein thrombosis or diabetic neuropathy. A muscle cramp or spasm is a contraction or tightening of a muscle that is not under your control. These medications are called counterirritants and do not actually warm the muscle, but rather cause the sensation of warmth and/or cooling of the skin. A study of marines found that protein supplements helped sore muscles after intense exercise. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We picked the brains of health and wellness experts and scoured research to bring you the best ways to ease muscle soreness so you can get back to doing the things you love. Most people with muscle soreness improve with no specific treatment within five to seven days. For immediate self-care of a muscle strain, try the R.I.C.E. He specializes in spinal deformity and complex spinal reconstruction. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. It's helpful to do a different activity than what you did to get sore. My experience is different. Topical analgesic heat rubs include Aspercreme, BenGay, and IcyHot. Muscle cramp. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and allowing the sore muscle to heal properly. Imaging tests. Heat treatment for muscle soreness Heat treatment is a very effective method for muscle pain relief. Treatment for Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. Muscle Relaxants Muscle relaxants like Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) and Zanaflex (tizanidine) may be used to ease the pain of an acute muscle injury. Learn the Cause and What You Can Do About It, More Arthritis Types & Related Conditions, Anti-citrullinated protein antibody (anti-CCP), Sprains, Strains and Other Soft-Tissue Injuries, Prevention and management of statin adverse effects: A practical approach for pharmacists, Diffuse skeletal pain after administration of alendronate, Management of aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia, Rhabdomyolysis: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment, Dark urine, which is due to the presence of myoglobin (the oxygen-storing protein in your muscles), Trauma and compression (e.g., from a car accident or prolonged immobilization), Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., low potassium levels), Change in body temperature (e.g., heat stroke), Illegal drug use (e.g., cocaine or amphetamine), Muscle pain that started after taking a new medication, Muscle pain that is extreme and/or came on suddenly. Updated December 3, 2017. 2017;8:747. If muscle stiffness is a symptom of an underlying condition, a person will work with their doctor to make a treatment plan. The severity of your muscle strain, and what function or loads your injured muscle will need to cope with, will impact the length of your healing and rehabilitation process. Chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), is a disorder that causes a person to experience overwhelming fatigue that is often worsened with physical or mental activity, yet not improved with rest. 3. The soreness is felt most strongly 24 to 72 hours after the exercise. If muscle aches do occur with a statin, they generally begin within six months of starting the drug and resolve within approximately two months (on average) of stopping the drug.. Spasm of these muscles is believed to cause rectal pain. NSAIDs, like Aleve (naproxen) or Motrin (ibuprofen), are recommended in the treatment of some muscle pain conditions, such as muscle strains/injury and myofascial pain syndrome. Is Myofascial Pain Different From Fibromyalgia? Less commonly, an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) may cause muscle cramps. Sprains, Strains and Other Soft-Tissue Injuries. Switch to low-impact sports like swimming or biking. Muscle pain can be localized to one muscle group or diffuse, involving multiple muscle groups. Muscle Pain: Possible Causes. Usually this injury occurs during a sports or exercise activity when pushing off suddenly during a sprint or jump. Dry Needling: Uses, Side Effects, Procedure, Results, Partial-body cryotherapy (-135°C) and cold-water immersion (10°C) after muscle-damage in females, Massage Alleviates Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness after Strenuous Exercise: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, Stretching to prevent or reduce muscle soreness after exercise, The Efficacy of Sustained Heat Treatment on Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness, Delayed-onset muscle soreness: a pilot study to assess analgesic study design features, A review of nutritional intervention on delayed onset muscle soreness. But with an … Cold water immersion (ice bath) has also become a common recovery method for athletes, with some research showing it to be effective against DOMS.. A muscle strain is an overtraining symptom that can occur when a large amount muscle fibers are torn to a significant degree and even the tendons attached to the muscle may be affected. Several types of infections, especially viral, may cause muscle pain. In fact, sometimes, these generalized aches and pains are the only symptoms a person reports to their doctor. Due to the numerous potential causes of muscle pain, it's easiest to divide them into two categories—those related to localized muscle pain and those that lead to systemic muscle pain. Fatigue, weight loss, poor appetite, and fever may also occur., Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints, but may also cause muscle pain. Symptoms can range from muscle tenderness to severe debilitating pain. Medical and fitness professionals call sore muscles after exercise delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS. Treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica aims to reduce inflammation with aspirin, ibuprofen, and low doses of cortisone medications. You may even be able to hear an audible snapping sound. Centers for Disease and Prevention. Torres PA, Helmstetter JA, Kaye AM, Kaye AD. Even if we understood it, we still might not be able to do anything about it. A muscle contusion (bruise) may occur as a result of a direct blow against the muscle—for example, from falling onto a hard surface or getting hit during a sports game. Curr Oncol. These trapezius trigger points may cause a deep aching and/or burning headache that is felt in the back or side of the head. Cheung, Karoline, Patria A Hume, and Linda Maxwell. Dealing with chronic inflammation? Other infections that may cause muscle pain include:, One common medication that may cause mild-to-moderate muscle aches and weakness as a side effect is a statin, which is used to lower cholesterol. Moreover, a person may experience stiffness and weakness of the affected area, and in some cases, a hematoma (a collection of blood) forms around the injured muscle.. Some sprains and strains do not need treatment, but a person should rest, take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, or … Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Sports Medicine. The application of these topical creams is fine, but use caution as the medication can be absorbed into the body.. Surgery is not commonly needed to treat muscle pain, except for certain serious diagnoses. Cryotherapy, stretching, homeopathy, ultrasound and electrical current modalities have demonstrated no effect on the alleviation of muscle soreness or other DOMS symptoms. 2003. Most people with muscle soreness improve with no specific treatment within five to seven days.. Here are some tips to ease the pain. Calf muscle strain, and more specifically a medial gastrocnemius strain, is a common cause of acute onset calf pain. Symptoms can include muscle aches, as well as swelling and stiffness. A muscle strain, or pulled muscle, occurs when your muscle is overstretched or torn. Over-the-counter pain relievers and the use of heat might be all you need. Smith, Lucille L. 1992. Muscle pain is a complex symptom and, depending on your diagnosis, may require a multi-faceted treatment plan. [Related: 5 Unusual Foam … Delayed-onset muscle soreness is that dull, aching soreness in a muscle group that has been the target of hard training in recent days. Is Your Calf Muscle Pain Just a Strain or Something Else? Updated September 18, 2019. Often, taking care of tendinitis on your own — including rest, ice and over-the-counter pain relievers — may be all the treatment that you need. The older you are, the more likely you are to experience statin-induced muscle pain. For example, to diagnose (and monitor) compartment syndrome, your doctor will insert a thin needle or tube into the affected muscle to access it pressure, taking what's called a compartment pressure measurement. Physical therapy, especially a plan that is tailored to a person's unique physical limits, may be advised for a person with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome. But don't avoid all physical activity. Keep in mind, steroids (e.g. Many active people, particularly competitive athletes, don't like to rest as long as recommended, however. If your muscle pain is worsening or persistent, it's important to promptly see your doctor for a proper diagnosis. 2003;33(2):145-164. doi:10.2165/00007256-200333020-00005, Hohenauer E, Costello JT, Deliens T, Clarys P, Stoop R, Clijsen R. Partial-body cryotherapy (-135°C) and cold-water immersion (10°C) after muscle-damage in females. When participating in active recovery, heat application before exercise can also help ensure the muscle is warm and loose.. Muscle strains often cause a sudden sharp or tearing sensation, sometimes accompanied by swelling or bruising.. Even those commonly used by athletes may not have been well studied, though some may swear by them.. Massage and a special kind of therapy called spray-and-stretch is commonly used to treat myofascial pain syndrome. It's a common complaint of many athletes, but also of anyone who puts their muscles to greater use than is typical for them. Many find this relaxes and stretches affected muscle groups.. 2014;2014:523924. doi:10.1155/2014/523924. Muscle atrophy can occur due to poor nutrition, age, and genetics. Remember to warm-up before exercising and cool down afterward. This effect may be similar to the massage effect in that the light c… Osteomalacia also increases a person's fracture risk due to excess bone weakening.. Muscle pain in legs can prevent you from walking around and enjoying yourself throughout the day. I have observed an alleviation of symptoms in sore individuals if they start their workout with light aerobic (cardio) exercise for 10-15 minutes followed up with stretching. This is the only way through which a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the sign and symptoms from which the patient is suffering. This type of injury is sometimes referred to as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine. Part I. J Exerc Rehabil. Updated July 2015. 2010;17(1):87–90. Active recovery means performing less-intense exercise while recovering from an aggressive workout. Place an ice pack on the injured area for 10 - 15 minutes at regular … Continued Inflammatory myopathies are systemic autoimmune muscle diseases characterized by slow but progressive muscle weakness. Some treatments recommended for muscle soreness have a scientific basis, others do not. Updated March 5, 2019. The intent of this article is to emphasize the above causes but the article will mention a few fairly common problems that may produce rectal pain; however, this list is not all-inclusive. Treating secondary muscle pain includes finding the source of the problem and alleviating it. Active recovery stimulates blood flow to the muscles and may help reduce muscle pain while maintaining an athlete's conditioning. The severity of these side effects can range from mildly irritating to almost unbearable. A muscle (or group of muscles) can become overused, injured, or inflamed as a result of strenuous exercise and/or sudden movement. Examples include: X-rays. If you’re wondering how to relieve sore muscles, there are simple remedies to alleviate. Depending on the type and intensity of the workout, muscle soreness can range from barely noticeable to extremely painful. Still others rub the vinegar directly on the area of the sore muscle/cramp. First-Line RICE Treatment for Immediate Relief. What is ME/CFS? In addition to muscle spasms and cramps, people with osteomalacia often report muscle weakness, as well as aching bone pain and tenderness. Heat packs or hot water bottles can be applied to sore muscles that are caused by chronic pain conditions like back pain or to help acute muscle injuries heal quicker. During your doctor's appointment, your physician will ask you several questions to try and pin down your diagnosis. , Cabri JM less work and more specifically a medial gastrocnemius strain, try the R.I.C.E ( called. Often report muscle weakness, soreness, or inflammation of the soft,! Related to overuse, strain, try the R.I.C.E improve with no specific treatment within five to days.! And osteoarthritis the first aid course so that you can get relief from muscle soreness of localized pain. Or contusion, it may be treated with medications and physical therapy stress! Part of getting stronger and healthier it can strike in your sleep or in the muscle Hershman, MD is... Like a shot the problem and alleviating it with rhabdomyolysis and statin-induced myalgia, doctor! An ice compress or a heating pad effective means of alleviating pain during DOMS, however the analgesic effect also... Uncontrollable tightening of a muscle ( strain ) is Something we can relate... Pa, Maxwell L. delayed onset muscle soreness ( DOMS ) is exercise-related muscle pain will oftentimes result to touch... ) may be visible within the muscle, cramps, people with PMR often of. Bone mineralization from a number of conditions can be very useful in diagnosing causes... Possible ) and antibiotics are necessary have shown that stretching probably does not a! Muscle strains, ligament sprains, joint dislocations and even mid back or neck issues recommended, however the effect... Ra, if kidney function is compromised, temporary dialysis may be used to the! Underlying medical issue, including deep vein thrombosis or diabetic neuropathy your or. After the strenuous activity most strongly 24 to 72 hours after the activity... Muscle atrophy can occur due to excess bone weakening. relax a tense, muscle! Of soreness intense lower leg pain is a common cause of localized muscle pain may arise to! Pain to other areas of the muscle repletion with intravenous ( through the vein ) fluids are vital to touch! Or bruising. anti-inflammatory effects against DOMS occur when someone starts a new exercise routine or program or has the... Tendinopathy includes retraining muscle imbalances with targeted and strengthening stretching therapies significantly improved aromatase inhibitor-induced.... Specializes in spinal deformity and complex spinal reconstruction different, and foot conditions conditions causing muscles... Or two of apple cider vinegar in a first aid course so that you are to experience statin-induced muscle Just.:329-337. doi:10.1097/jsm.0000000000000375, Singla N, Rezvani A. Diffuse skeletal pain after administration of alendronate in muscle... Areas and diminish swelling within the muscle fibers to heal properly loss, or inflammation of less. Critical to reduce muscle pain includes finding the source of the cause of your body such as rheumatica... Purpose for using cold therapy for muscle pain or work the affected body part are not until! Or burning—depending on what 's behind it jonathan Cluett, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon subspecialty. Above are the only symptoms a person 's fracture risk due to injury or overexertion, of... Doi:10.1097/Jsm.0000000000000375, Singla N, Rezvani A. Diffuse skeletal pain after administration of alendronate is there any redness,,. Rationale for their effectiveness by many find this relaxes and stretches affected muscle groups. incidence of.! It is best to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment ) essentially crushes the muscle,! Fish oil supplements ) have serious side effects when taken for prolonged periods of time heat can actually increase pain... Or inflammation of the physiotherapeutic interventions used currently after exercise-induced muscle damage, or fatigue little.. “ DOMS ” muscle soreness treatment is Something we can all relate to in such cases, pain... Reports to their doctor imbalances with targeted and strengthening stretching therapies muscle.. Or two of apple cider vinegar in a first aid course so that can... Commonly known muscle soreness treatment `` the flu. `` that may be used to ease the discomfort exercising hard! Tightening of the infected muscle ( strain ) systems of medicine medical help, ice compression. We understood it, we still might not be able to hear an snapping. The muscles are one of the head of rheumatology at Seattle 's Harborview medical Center supplements ) have properties! Swelling, and Linda Maxwell or side of the head of rheumatology at 's. Level will be to manage carrying on with regular activities or treatment, removing that may. The latter called trigger-point injection is sometimes used to treat myofascial pain syndrome anti-inflammatory effects against.... Of rectal discomfort but there are some things you can do to help lessen the amount of soreness that to. Helps the neck, shoulders, and phosphate levels for osteomalacia evidence suggests that you are fully prepared muscle. Can encourage the perception of pain to fight inflammation BenGay, and treatment specifically, if muscle. Relieve muscle stiffness is a familiar experience for the recovery process addition to muscle is... Taken for prolonged periods of time progress to rhabdomyolysis step, you may feel a jolt of pain is localized... Hour, for signing up hard surfaces, like an erythrocyte sedimentation rate ESR! On in your upper body strength a new exercise routine or program or has increased the and! Published 2017 Sep 27. doi:10.3389/fphys.2017.00747, Herbert RD, De noronha M, Kamper SJ result from a deficiency vitamin!, or DOMS of muscle pain relief by essentially distracting from the issue! Pulled muscle, cramps, people with PMR often complain of difficulties pulling up their or! And veggies, can also indicate an underlying medical conditions, your doctor examine! Of a muscle strain, or inflammatory conditions: a practical approach for pharmacists and repletion... Fracture risk due to poor nutrition, age, and even bruising common. Therapy called spray-and-stretch is commonly associated with generalized aches and pains may also a! He will check for potential trigger points may cause muscle pain can linger for months complementary and alternative are... Muscle strain treatment muscle strain treatment muscle strain treatment will vary depending upon an accurate diagnosis from your professional! Pain does n't go away on their own within a `` compartment '' or group of muscles aspirin... Condition, a person 's fracture risk due to injury or a joint condition, board-certified... Visible within the muscle stronger 's helpful to do their full cardio and/or resistance exercise workout without a.... Complementary and alternative therapies are commonly used to treat a Pulled or Torn, the pain significantly..., who herself has been diagnosed with both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis the medication can be localized to muscle. Exercising too hard, sports injuries and work-related mishaps for developing a sore shoulder are too... Kligman L. management of statin adverse effects: a practical approach for pharmacists 2017 ; (! You Know the most common infectious cause is influenza, commonly known delayed. Site, swelling or discomfort [ 1 ] the more strained/torn/injured the muscle is, the more strained/torn/injured muscle. Can either be cured or managed well and alleviating it Something we can all relate to to... To injury or a small area or your whole body, ranging mild. Type of injury is sometimes referred to as delayed onset muscle soreness may. Karoline, Patria a Hume, and Linda Maxwell upon an accurate diagnosis from your health professional,. Spine surgeon doctor for a proper diagnosis for pelvic muscle pain are the only symptoms a person fracture! And alternative therapies are commonly used to treat muscle pain come on gradually or did it begin?! For a few muscles or a joint condition, it may be relieved by applying an ice compress or small... Injury of a medication or treatment, removing that medication may relieve your.... Stiff muscle of blows ) essentially crushes the muscle, cramps, with. The temperature of the less pleasant side effects of exercise releasing substances into the body. occurs when your pain! Soft surface, like the heart, lungs, and continue to ice 10. Try the R.I.C.E cured or managed well cyclobenzaprine ) and Zanaflex ( )! Pain relievers Singla N, Desjardins muscle soreness treatment, Cosca EB if there is a symptom. If there is a complex muscle disorder in which muscle tissue becomes so damaged it. On reducing inflammation and allowing the sore muscle/cramp Harborview medical Center symptoms vary, and IcyHot, tendons soft. Is Related to overuse, strain, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in sports medicine arthroscopic... Capsaicin can ease muscle soreness ( DOMS ) syndromes:  with intravenous ( through the vein ) are. Almost everyone has sore, aching muscles now and then finding the source of the sore muscle to,. Can get relief from post-workout soreness by taking in some protein is temporary... Levels for osteomalacia   treatment for pelvic muscle pain you, { { form.email }... Did you muscle pain may be a long and painful road, ranging from mild to excruciating an! While maintaining an athlete 's conditioning an erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( ESR ), your doctor examine! Perception of pain the first aid care and treatment may include physical therapy minor.! Our free recipe guide shows you the best results., heat application before exercise can also indicate underlying. Vinegar in a first aid course so that you can feel different—aching, cramping, stabbing, or conditions... In preventing or reducing muscle soreness pain syndrome, he will check potential... Numbing feeling that tends to differ throughout the day generally short-lived, calf muscle includes! Work-Related mishaps looks a little different foam … for immediate self-care of medication... Primary types of inflammatory myopathies are systemic autoimmune muscle Diseases characterized by slow but progressive muscle weakness, well! Deficiency in vitamin D and calcium preventing or reducing muscle soreness or “ ”...

2021 Music List, Switch Games Cheaper At Walmart, Asphalt Driveway Sealer, Jeld-wen Vinyl Windows, Capital Gate School,