Managing Sore Muscles and Joint Pain: Treating Sore Muscles and Joint Pain

What's Causing My Joint Pain?

When your joints feel sore and achy, that's usually a sign of osteoarthritis. This inflammatory condition becomes more common as you get older. The cartilage that normally cushions the joints wears away, leaving the joints inflamed and painful.

Joint pain can also be caused by overuse or injury -- for example, tennis elbow or a knee injury caused by a ligament or meniscal problem.

Treating Sore Muscles and Joint Pain

One big question a lot of people have when they're nursing sore muscles is whether to use heat or ice. Experts say indirect ice -- an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel -- is best for immediate relief. "Heat will feel good while it's on, but it's not going to lessen the damage or make it go away anytime soon".

Experts recommend icing the sore area right after the activity to reduce inflammation then using heat later to increase blood flow to the area. Heat also can help relieve joint pain. If you get sore muscles once in a while, you can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or aspirin to help relieve the discomfort. Just be cautious about using NSAIDs regularly. Long-term NSAID use can interfere with your muscles' ability to repair themselves.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist about any interactions these over-the-counter drugs may have with other medications you take. People with a history of certain medical conditions (such as ulcers, kidney disease, and liver disease) may be advised to avoid some medications.

Sometimes soothing sore muscles requires more than an ice pack or over-the-counter pain reliever. Muscle pain that comes on quickly and feels intense is a sign that you've injured yourself. Call your doctor if your pain is severe or lasts for more than a few days.