Remedies For Extremely Sore Muscles & Joints

Muscle and joint pain can come from a strain, tear, overuse, arthritis or it could be the side effect of a medical condition. Regardless of the cause, extremely sore muscles and joints can limit your daily activities and diminish your quality of life. Although you should never substitute home care for medical advice, there are some treatment options you can explore to alleviate pain.

Rest

When you experience sore muscles or joints, the first thing you can do to alleviate any pain is discontinue physical activities. Lay down when you can during the day to reduce stress on your body. If you experience pain in your limbs you can elevate the effected body part with pillows or blankets. This can help reduce pain and swelling.

Ice and Heat

If you experience an injury, muscle strain or sore joints from overuse you can use ice packs and heat packs at home. During the first two to three days use ice packs only to reduce redness, swelling and pain. You can use frozen vegetables or an ice pack for up to 20 minutes at a time, three times a day. After the third day switch to heat packs. The heat packs help soothe sore muscles and joints while reducing swelling and pain.

Compression

Compression therapy helps reduce swelling. This could be in the form of an elastic band, cast, splint or special boot. A doctor puts on most compression devices, although you can use compression wraps at home for minor injuries.

Physical Therapy

If your muscle pain or sore joints are the result of an injury or post-surgery, your doctor may prescribe physical therapy. Physical therapy helps restore function of a muscle or joint after an injury occurs. During a physical therapy session you will perform exercises and stretches that improve your range of motion, muscle control and flexibility.

NSAIDs

NSAIDs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that can be bought over-the-counter or prescribed by your doctor. NSAIDs are taken with food to help reduce pain and swelling in muscles and joints. The most common NSAIDs are acetaminophen and ibuprofen.