Muscle aches

Alternative names:

muscle pain; myalgia; pain in the muscles

Home care:

For muscle pain, both rest and exercise are important.

Muscle aches from overuse and trauma often respond well to cold and/or warm compresses. massage, and temporary decreased use or rest. Heat, warm baths, massage, and gentle stretching exercises after a rest period should be used as frequently as possible.

Regular exercise (slowly increased from very gentle to more vigorous) may help restore the proper muscle tone (walking, cycling, and swimming are recommended).

Over-the-counter pain medications may help relieve pain and swelling.

Muscular aches associated with specific diseases are best controlled by treating the primary illness according to instructions given by the health care provider.

Call your health care provider if:

• the muscle pain persists beyond 3 days.
• there is severe, unexplained muscle pain especially if accompanied by other unexplained symptoms.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting your myalgia in detail may include:

• When did it start?
• How long did it last?
• Is there a pattern to the occurrences?
• How bad is it?
• Where is it exactly?
• Is it all over or only in a specific area?
• Is it always in the same location?
• What makes it better or worse?
• What other symptoms occur at the same time? Especially is there:
  • joint pain
  • fever
  • vomiting
  • weakness
  • malaise
  • difficulty using the affected muscle

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• blood studies (such as CBC or blood differential)
• muscle needle tests (such as an EMG)

Physical therapy may be prescribed.

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to myalgia, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.