How to Care for minor aches and pains

What are Aches and Pains?

At some point in our lives we have all been affected by aches and Pains. Aches and Pains develop when muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons have been injured or overused due to excess physical pressure. It is also an inevitable part of aging and often associated with symptoms of arthritis, flu and fibromyalgia . Minor aches and Pains are easily treatable, while more severe symptoms may require life-long treatment.

What Causes Aches and Pains?

Aches and pains often occur as a result of injuries or trauma associated with sprains and strains. Using a particular muscle group too much when you have had a strenuous exercise session or lifted a heavy object can cause aches and pains. Certain drugs such as cocaine; as well as cholesterol and blood pressure medications, an electrolyte imbalance or stress and tension may also lead to aches and Pains.

How to Cure Muscle Aches

Muscle aches may occur after intense physical exercise, overuse or a minor injury. Muscle strain and pain caused by overuse is localized to specific muscles in the body. Infection, illness or a medication can cause muscle aches throughout the entire body or systemic muscle pain. A physician must evaluate and treat systemic muscle pain. Home care or self-care can relieve the pain of muscle aches and promote healing. Muscle aches that is the result of physical activity or overuse appears within 12 to 48 hours after the activity.

Steps

• Reduce the swelling and relieve pain. Apply ice to the affected muscle to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Use ice packs in the first 24 to 72 hours after a muscle strain. Apply the cold pack to the affected area three times a day for about 20 minutes.
• Over the counter ibuprofen can reduce the swelling and relieve the pain of muscle aches and pains.
• Compression bandages and elevation reduce swelling as well. Elevation promotes circulation or blood flow to the sore muscles.
• Apply heat to the affected muscle to promote increased blood flow and healing of a strained muscle. Circulation and blood flow can help to heal torn or strained muscles. Heat compresses or soaking in a hot tub can help to improve circulation in the affected area.
• Rest the affected muscles to allow healing time for strained and torn muscles. Continuing intense physical activity can prevent healing of the sore muscles and may result in further injury.
• Begin light stretching to promote healing of the muscles. Gentle stretches of the muscles can improve muscle tone during the healing process. Avoid high impact aerobic activities or weight lifting while experiencing pain in the muscles. Physical therapists can recommend stretching exercises to relieve muscle aches and pains.
• Walking, cycling or swimming can help to strengthen the muscles and avoid re-injuring them. Low impact aerobic activity provides physical exercise without causing another injury of the muscle.
• Gradually increase activities to restore normal function of the muscle. Give the muscles time to heal and stop activities if pain reoccurs.