Muscle Discomfort
Nearly everyone has felt muscle soreness or involuntary cramps at some point. While most episodes settle on their own, some persist and require further medical attention. Persistent muscle issues can limit your mobility and interfere with work, social activities and relationships.
Understanding muscle pain
The clinical term for muscle ache is myalgia. Because muscles are found throughout the body, myalgia may occur in any region. It can be localised or widespread and typically worsens with movement. You might feel a dull ache, stiffness or even a burning sensation. The back and legs are among the most frequently affected areas. Pain intensity ranges from mild to severe, often accompanied by tenderness, swelling and redness. Myalgia may be acute (sudden onset, lasting less than three months) or chronic (lasting longer than three months). Occasionally, muscle discomfort can lead to other types of pain, for example, tight neck muscles may trigger headaches.
Causes of muscle pain
Myalgia most often follows:
- Muscle overuse during exercise
- Emotional stress and tension
- Minor injuries
Such pain is usually localised to specific muscles or regions. However, widespread muscle pain can also be a feature of:
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Bacterial or viral infections (e.g. Lyme disease, flu, polio)
- Autoimmune disorders (e.g. lupus)
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Side effects of medications or drugs
- Low potassium (hypokalemia)
In addition, muscle spasms themselves can cause pain.
What are muscle spasms?
Also known as cramps, muscle spasms occur when a muscle contracts involuntarily and refuses to relax. They’re common, sudden and can affect any muscle, especially the thighs, calves, foot arches, hands, arms and abdomen. Spasm-related pain can be mild to severe, lasting from a few seconds to 15 minutes or more. You may also notice muscle tightness, joint stiffness, twitching, odd postures, speaking difficulties and limited range of motion. Sometimes, cramps can strike repeatedly in quick succession.
Causes of muscle spasms
Cramps during activity often arise from:
- Insufficient stretching
- Muscle fatigue or overuse
- Exercising in high temperatures, leading to dehydration and loss of electrolytes (potassium, magnesium, sodium, calcium)
Other triggers include sudden movements, position changes, stress or tight clothing. Medical or injury-related causes can include:
- Poor blood flow, particularly to legs and feet
- Nerve damage (e.g. spinal cord or brain injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis)
- Pregnancy
- Kidney failure
- Alcohol use disorder
- Hypothyroidism
Treatment and management
Many muscle aches and spasms resolve on their own, but you can try these home measures for relief:
- Rest the affected muscles, especially after overuse
- Take OTC analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Apply ice packs to reduce inflammation
- Gently stretch the muscle
- Use stress-reduction techniques
- Warm up and cool down properly around exercise
- Avoid extreme temperatures and stay hydrated
- Follow any prescribed medications if needed
If pain occurs during activity, it may signal a muscle strain. Stop immediately and seek medical advice. For spasms, try gentle stretching and massage, hold the muscle in a stretched position until the cramp passes, or use ice or heat (e.g. a warm towel).
When to consult a doctor
Home treatment usually suffices for minor muscle pain and spasms. See a healthcare professional if you experience:
- Pain from a serious injury
- Persistent or worsening discomfort despite home care
- Muscle pain with rash or significant swelling
- Calf pain triggered by exercise that eases with rest
- Pain following a tick bite
- Symptoms after starting or increasing a medication
- Spasms accompanied by weakness or numbness
- Frequent, severe or prolonged cramps resistant to home remedies
- Pain or spasms without a clear cause
Seek immediate care if muscle pain is accompanied by:
- Difficulty breathing
- Extreme muscle weakness
- High fever and a stiff neck