Muscles, sore

Christopher Hobbs:

“Sore muscles often accompany exercise, or stagnation of blood through inactivity or muscular tension.”

Etiologic Factors

1. Exercise: Overexertion, particularly after unfamiliar or intense physical activity (delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS).
2. Injury: Strains or sprains from physical activity, accidents, or poor posture.
3. Poor posture: Sitting or standing improperly for long periods can lead to muscle strain and discomfort.
4. Dehydration or electrolyte imbalances: Can lead to muscle cramping and soreness.
5. Infections: Viral or bacterial infections can cause muscle aches, often with other systemic symptoms like fever.
6. Chronic conditions: Conditions like fibromyalgia, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis can cause chronic muscle pain.
7. Medications: Some drugs, like statins, can cause muscle pain as a side effect.

Signs to Seek Professional Help

• Severe or persistent pain: Pain that doesn’t improve or worsens over time.
• Swelling or bruising: May indicate an injury like a tear or strain.
• Weakness: Inability to use the affected muscle properly.
• Pain after trauma: If pain follows a fall, accident, or sudden trauma, it could be serious.
• Fever: If muscle pain is accompanied by fever, it could indicate an infection or another systemic condition.
• Pain that affects daily activities: When soreness is interfering with normal function or quality of life.