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Managing Joint and Muscle Pain

Causes and Prevention of Acute and Chronic Aches and Pains

Aug 23, 2009 Fleur Hupston

Many people experience muscle or joint pain at some stage. Getting to the cause and taking steps to stop it from recurring will prevent pain from controlling one's life.

When pain strikes the hard-working joints and muscles, it can be a nuisance at best or debilitating at worst.

What is Acute Pain?

According to Dr. Linda Steyn, a renowned Johannesburg physiotherapist, acute pain is any episode of pain felt for the first time. When it occurs, the body starts its natural healing process which takes between 6 to 12 weeks to complete. Provided the person has dealt with the cause and avoided re-injuring himself, the pain should go away.

Acute pain is always easier to deal with than chronic pain. A person should take action as soon as pain strikes. A serious muscle strain or tear, muscle pain that accompanies a high fever and stiff neck or extreme muscle weakness are signs that a person should seek medical attention immediately. The same applies to a sufferer who experiences joint pain accompanied by bleeding, an exposed bone or sudden swelling.

Treatment for Acute Joint and Muscle Pain

if the pain is not too serious, start by resting the injured area for 2 to 3 days,
place an ice pack on the injured area 3 times a day for 15 to 20 minutes at a time,
use a compression bandage to reduce any swelling
if possible, elevate the injured area above heart level

Certain products for pain can be helpful but should not be seen as long term solutions. If over the counter medication does not ease the pain or if pain persists for more than a week, a sufferer should see a doctor or physiotherapist for a thorough examination. Leaving pain untreated can be disabling in the long term.

Some joint and muscle products for pain could include:

natural pain killers such as Arnica tables to ease bruising and aching muscles,
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as those containing ibuprofen to decrease pain and control swelling or inflammation,
muscle relaxants aimed at relaxing muscles and curbing any related discomfort,
gels and rubs like Arnica massage oil or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory rubs,
cold packs or heating pads,
anti-pain medication such as natural Arnica tables which ease bruising and aching muscles.

What is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain can be defined as pain lasting beyond the body's normal healing response of 12 weeks. In the muscles and joints it can be the result of ignored or incorrectly treated acute pain and chronic muscle or joint diseases. Chronic joint and muscle pain is best treated by a medical professional.

Joint and muscle pain cannot always be avoided but prevention is a worthy goal. Seek treatment for pain if necessary and maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly, taking care of posture and managing stress levels.

Source:

"Preventing Muscle Pain" by Netanja van der Westhuizen, Health and Fitness Magazine, page 74 - 77