The National Institutes of Health explains that muscle pain is often a result of tension, overuse and injury. It's typically isolated to a specific muscle or muscle group, felt either during or directly after an activity. Joint pain is usually a result of an injury or medical condition, such as arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis or lupus. While more moderate to severe pain often requires medical treatment for the cause of the discomfort, there are ways to help bring about relief for mild pain or until you're able to consult with a doctor. If pain persist longer than three days, make an appointment with your health care provider.
Pain Relievers
Often referred to as simply NSAIDs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are popular pain relievers for both muscle pain and joint pain, according to the National Institutes of Health. Ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen are all able to reduce inflammation of muscles or joints and relieve the pain. You can also experience a reprieve from the muscle or joint discomfort with acetaminophen, an over-the-counter analgesic. For best results, follow the instruction on the packaging.
Ice
The Mayo Clinic recommends icing for both muscle pain and joint pain. An ice pack, bag of ice or even a bag of frozen vegetables can be applied to the affected area for no more than 15 to 20 minutes at time to reduce inflammation and associated pain. Greater lengths of time could exacerbate any injury that's causing the pain.
Rest
The National Institutes of Health also suggests rest to help relieve pain. Resting minimizes further irritation and inflammation of the affected muscles or joints, thereby lessening the discomfort. This means staying off joints or muscles that are causing you discomfort for a day or two. Also, consider elevating the muscle or joint causing you problems, as this can lessen inflammation as well.
Compression
Wrapping the affected area with a bandage also helps to relieve swelling and associated pain, according to the Mayo Clinic--especially in cases of muscle pain. A compression bandage works best, but any sterile dressing that gently binds the area is beneficial.
Exercise
Although it's important to rest and minimize use of joints or muscles eliciting pain, exercise is another key component to recovery, advises the National Institutes of Health. At the onset, keep to exercises low in impact, such as biking, swimming, walking, yoga or water aerobics. As you become more accustomed to the activity or increase your level of fitness, you can usually step up the intensity and frequency. However, talk to a doctor or physical therapist to ensure you won't re-injure the affected area.
