How to Fix Sore Muscles & Joints
There is no one cause of sore muscles and joints. It can be the result of overworked muscles and ligaments, poor nutrition, tension or even aging. While there isn't an automatic cure for muscles and joints that are in pain, there are a number of easy ways to soothe them. The ultimate key is to give your painful muscles and joints adequate time to relax and recover. Once this is done, you can resume your normal activities with caution.
Things You'll Need
- Ice
- Plastic bag
- Dry washcloth
- Heating pad
- Pain medication
- Massage
- Water
Instructions
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1
Place a covered ice pack on the affected muscle or joint. To create your own, place ice in a plastic bag and wrap it with a dry washcloth. Leave the pack on the area for 10 to 15 minutes or until it feels more soothed.
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2
Remove the ice pack and replace it with a heating pad. This will help your sore muscles and joints relax and become less tense. Continue to alternate your ice pack and heating pad.
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3
Take an over-the-counter pain medication to target any discomfort. Do so as directed on the medication box or bottle.
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Meet with your doctor to discuss the use of a stronger medication if your muscle and joint pain is more severe. Some drug prescriptions include muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine, diazepram and even morphine or codeine in severe cases.
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5
Request a massage or massage yourself in the affected area. Massages help the flow of blood in your body which in turn spreads all those essential nutrients throughout your system. Improved blood circulation also helps ease those stiff, sore and tense muscles and joints. You can feel the instant effects of a massage, as well.
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Drink plenty of water. Sometimes stiff muscles and joints are the result of dehydration. Whether it's a minor case or a major one, drinking fluids is important.
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Consider investing in a surgery for the affected area. This would have to be approved by and discussed with your doctor. Common areas on the body where surgery takes place are the back and knees. Surgery is usually the last measure taken to fix a sore muscle or joint.
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