Muscle pain, or myalgia, can be caused by an injury, infection, disease, or other health problem. If you experience muscle pain, there are several things you can do to help relieve it:
-
Rest: Resting the affected area can help reduce pain and promote healing.
-
Ice and Heat: Alternating between ice packs and heat can help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow to the affected area.
-
Over-the-counter pain relievers: Acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen can help ease the discomfort.
-
Gentle stretching: Stretching the affected muscles can help relieve pain and promote healing.
-
Muscle massage: Massaging the affected area can help relieve pain and promote healing.
-
Topical pain-relief creams: Creams and gels that contain menthol or capsaicin can ease muscle soreness.
-
Natural supplements: Some natural supplements, such as turmeric, chondroitin, and glucosamine, have been reported to help manage inflammatory musculoskeletal pain.
If your muscle pain is severe or lasts for more than a few days, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment plan.