How to Treat Muscle Aches

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Muscle aches arise from a number of conditions. Usually it's easy to know what preceded the pain. A muscle injury sometimes includes the tendons and ligaments, which might require a trip to the doctor. Most treatments involve home remedies with non-prescription products. Read on to learn how to treat muscle aches.

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Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Medicated creams
Ibuprofen/acetaminophen
Epsom salt
Ice pack
Sports drinks
Bathtub

Step 1

Rub medicated creams to the sore muscle area. Visit a local drugstore and ask the pharmacist for a recommendation. These feel like heat when applied.
Step 2

Massage the area with your fingertips. When problems develop from working out or doing athletics this works well in giving flexibility and looseness.
Step 3

Continue with mild to light stretching exercises for flexibility.
Step 4

Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to treat muscle aches. Read the label for directions.
Step 5

Get Epsom salt for soaking feet and lower leg. Pour as directed into warm water and soak.
Step 6

Apply an ice pack to reduce muscle pain and inflammation. Best results are achieved when used within the first 24 hours. Make an ice pack with a sealable plastic bag and ice cubes.
Step 7

Treat muscle cramps and aches from workouts by drinking hydration drinks with electrolytes. Go to a supermarket to buy sports drinks and look for the word "electrolytes" on the bottle.
Step 8

Soak in a hot bath. This treatment increases blood circulation to the muscles.

Tips & Warnings

See your doctor for an examination if the aches persist after a couple of days. If a rash develops or infection sets in the aching muscle area, several possibilities including spider and tick bites exist.
Notice if the muscle aches started after changing medication, like statin drugs. Call your doctor for treatment or change in prescription.
Get proper sleep for healing.
Avoid heavy exercising or aerobics while pain exists.

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