Muscle Aches
Alternate Names : Muscle Pain, Myalgia, Pain - Muscles
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Muscle Aches: Home Care & Treatment
For muscle pain from overuse or an injury, rest that body part and take over-the-counter pain medication (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen). Apply ice within the first 24 to 72 hours of an injury to reduce pain and inflammation. After that, heat often feels more soothing.
Muscle aches from overuse and fibromyalgia often respond well to massage. Gentle stretching exercises after a long rest period are 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 feel better and stay pain free. Begin slowly and increase workouts gradually. Avoid high-impact aerobic activities and weight lifting when injured or while in pain.
Be sure to get plenty of sleep and try to reduce stress. If you have trouble sleeping, speak with your doctor. Reducing stress can help fibromyalgia and muscle aches related to tension. Yoga and meditation are excellent practices to help you sleep and relax.
If home measures aren't working, call your doctor, who will consider prescription medication, physical therapy referral, or referral to a specialized pain clinic.
If your muscle aches are due to a specific disease, follow the instructions of your doctor to treat the primary illness.
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