The most frequent causes of muscle pain include overuse, tension, injury and other strains. This kind of pain is usually localized, affecting only a small portion of the body or a handful of muscles at the most. Muscle strains usually occur when too much strain is placed on the muscles. They also happen when more than the usual amount of force is used to perform a movement. A strain occurs when the muscle fibers are stretched beyond their limits, causing pain.
Tension is caused when the muscles are forced into a position that is not comfortable, such as bending over or lifting heavy objects. It can be felt in the muscles, as an ache or stiffness. Other people call it a “knee cap pain.” Overuse injury is caused by overdoing a particular exercise, such as running on pavement for prolonged periods of time without changing. Muscle soreness, which is a gradual loss of muscle function and suppleness, may accompany the muscle pain, but the pain usually goes away after a couple of days.
Medication is necessary if the muscle pain and stiffness cannot be relieved by rest and ice packs. If the pain is severe, you should seek immediate medical attention, as serious complications such as a fractured bone, nerve damage or paralysis could result. Some symptoms to look for in people who are experiencing difficulty breathing are tightness in the chest, dizziness, nausea or upset stomach. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
Treating muscle pain or tenderness with overuse resistance exercise is the safest way to treat an injury because it does not result in further injury. Do not overuse your body during exercise. Apply ice packs on the injured area at least three times a day for ten minutes and then rest. Overuse injury typically results from stretching muscles beyond their limits during intense exercise. It can also occur from long periods of immobility or static position, which can be more problematic.
In order to prevent overuse injury, you must make sure that you always move properly. When you begin to feel pain or stiffness, you must make sure to increase your range of motion. If you are having muscle pain or soreness, check with your doctor or physical therapist to see if you need to modify your workout routine. Make sure that you do not overwork yourself, particularly if you have had an injury or illness before. If you are having problems breathing, you might want to increase your fiber intake to make sure that your lungs are getting enough air. Decrease consumption of alcoholic beverages and reduce stress, which can also lead to decreased lung capacity and increased risk of overuse injuries.
Although muscle pain and soreness are most often associated with physical activity, it can also occur from sitting for too long, exercising incorrectly, straining muscles, or undergoing anesthesia. These activities can all cause muscle pain or soreness. It is important to try to determine what caused your current injury or illness to figure out how to prevent future injuries. If you are currently experiencing muscle pain or soreness, contact your doctor or physical therapist for advice on how to prevent further injury. They may be able to prescribe the appropriate treatment or instruction that will alleviate your current condition and allow you to get back to doing your favorite physical activity.
