Myalgia, or muscle pain, is a common condition that can happen during physical activity, right after, or even up to 48 hours later. It’s often caused by intense workouts or repetitive strain but may also be linked to health issues like fibromyalgia, osteomalacia, infections, or stress.
Treatment depends on the cause and may include rest, stretching, medication, or topical creams. If the pain is frequent or gets worse, medical evaluation is recommended.
Staying active, doing proper warm-ups, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, like limiting sugar and avoiding alcohol or tobacco, can help prevent myalgia.
What causes myalgia?
The most common causes of muscle aches are:
1. Physical activity
Exercise is a leading cause of myalgia. Pain may result from how intense or long the workout is, the type of movement, and how conditioned the person is. Wearing protective gear like joint braces or belts may help prevent injuries like hernias or fractures.
2. Stress or anxiety
Emotional stress often causes muscle tension, especially in the neck, shoulders, and back. It can lead to stiffness, spasms, and pain, along with symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or tingling. Managing stress through therapy, relaxation techniques, or medication may help relieve symptoms.
Read more about symptoms of stress and how they can present.
3. Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia causes widespread and chronic muscle pain, especially in areas like the lower back, neck, hips, and knees. People with fibromyalgia often have increased sensitivity to touch. Treatment typically includes pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and physical therapy.
4. Osteomalacia
This condition leads to softer bones due to vitamin D deficiency, increasing the risk of fractures and causing muscle pain and weakness throughout the body.
5. Circulatory problems
Conditions like varicose veins can lead to leg swelling, heaviness, and discomfort that feels like myalgia. These issues can occur due to obesity, pregnancy, or poor circulation. Treatment may involve medication or compression socks.
6. Sciatic nerve inflammation
Pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause sharp or burning pain in the back, buttocks, or legs. It may make it hard to stand up straight or walk comfortably.
Learn more about sciatica and how it can be relieved.
7. Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid may lead to fatigue, joint stiffness, and muscle pain—especially in the shoulders and hips—making daily tasks more difficult.
8. Hemodialysis
People undergoing hemodialysis may experience muscle cramps or widespread pain due to fluid shifts during treatment.
9. Infections
Certain infections from bacteria, viruses, or parasites can cause muscle inflammation or abscesses, leading to myalgia in multiple parts of the body.
10. Medications
Some drugs or substances—including alcohol, cocaine, or certain prescriptions like colchicine or zidovudine—can cause muscle pain, especially with long-term use or drug interactions. Any unexplained muscle pain during treatment should be discussed with a doctor.
How myalgia is treated
Myalgia can be treated with a combination of approaches:
1. Oral medications
Doctors may prescribe muscle relaxants, pain relievers like acetaminophen, or anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen for more intense or frequent muscle pain.
2. Topical creams
To relieve muscle pain, doctors may recommend using anti-inflammatory creams that are applied directly to the sore area. Common over-the-counter options include diclofenac gel (such as Voltaren) and menthol-based rubs like Icy Hot or Bengay. These creams help reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief.
They are usually applied two to three times a day in circular motions over the painful area. If the pain doesn't improve, follow-up with a healthcare provider is important to reassess the cause and adjust treatment.
3. Natural treatments
Home remedies for myalgia include warm baths, gentle massage with natural oils, stretching, and rest. Alternating hot and cold compresses can also ease pain, as cold reduces swelling, while heat relaxes the muscles.
Using a foam roller for self-massage can help release tension and improve circulation. It’s important to stay somewhat active to prevent stiffness unless a doctor advises rest due to a more serious injury.