Muscle Pain or Myalgia

Muscle Pain (Myalgia)

Muscle pain, or myalgia, refers to discomfort affecting specific muscle groups or the entire body. It is often caused by muscle contraction and may or may not involve inflammation. Common causes include overuse, tension, strain, or stretching due to excessive force.

Additionally, muscle pain may be associated with underlying conditions such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., polymyositis, dermatomyositis, lupus ), infections (e.g., muscle abscesses caused by Staphylococcus, trichinosis ), or systemic infections (e.g., influenza, malaria, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, polio, leptospirosis, measles, and rheumatic fever).

In most cases, muscle pain resolves spontaneously with adequate rest. However, persistent or recurrent pain may indicate underlying pathology and should be promptly addressed.

When to See a Doctor

• Muscle pain lasting more than 3 days
• Severe pain without a known cause
• Signs of infection (e.g., swelling, redness around the affected area)
• Poor circulationin the painful area
• Associated rash or recent tick bite
• Pain onset related to medication(e.g., statins)

Patient Advice

Prevention

• Warm up and stretch before exercise, especially before swimming or high-intensity workouts.
• Learn proper exercise techniques or consult a certified trainer.
• Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting when injured or experiencing pain.
• Take breaks to stretch every hour when remaining in the same posture for extended periods.

Self-Management: PRICE Principle

• Protect – Stop activity immediately when pain begins to prevent further injury.
• Restrict – Rest the injured area and minimize movement for at least 72 hours.
• Ice/Cool – Apply cold packs to reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Compress – Wrap the injured area with an elastic bandage after icing to minimize swelling.
• Elevate – Raise the injured limb above heart level to improve blood flow and reduce swelling.

Treatment Options

1.

• Paracetamol: A mild analgesic that can be taken 3–4 times daily to relieve muscle pain.
• Capsaicin cream: Beneficial for neuritic pain characterized by burning, tingling, or needle-like sensations. Derived from chili extract, it inhibits nerve signal transmission at the application site. Multiple daily applications are required for optimal results.
• Opioid analgesics (e.g.,tramadol): May be used for moderate to severe pain or in patients unable to take NSAIDs due to allergies or poor response. Use requires close medical supervision.

2. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs are widely used for relieving joint pain and swelling by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. Common side effects include gastrointestinal irritation or ulcers and increased risk of cardiovascular events and acute renal failure in certain patients. Therefore, their use should always be evaluated by a physician or pharmacist.

NSAID Dosage and Administration in Adults