Muscle Inflammation
What Is Muscle Inflammation?
Muscle inflammation is a condition in which muscles become inflamed or swollen due to irritation or damage. Muscle inflammation can be caused by many different factors, including injury, over-exertion, infection, autoimmune diseases, and others. It often causes pain and can limit movement and range of motion.
Symptoms of Muscle Inflammation
The symptoms of muscle inflammation can vary depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Tenderness
- Redness
- Decreased range of motion
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
Causes of Muscle Inflammation
Muscle inflammation can be caused by a variety of factors including:
- Injury or trauma: A sudden injury such as a torn or strained muscle can cause inflammation. Repetitive overuse or trauma from sports or exercise can also cause inflammation.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions such as arthritis and gout can cause inflammation of the muscles.
- Electrical stimulation: Certain types of electrical stimulation, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), can cause inflammation.
- Infections: Viral or bacterial infections can cause muscle inflammation.
- Autoimmune diseases: Autoimmune diseases such as lupus can cause inflammation of the muscles.
Treatment for Muscle Inflammation
Treatment for muscle inflammation depends on the underlying cause. Common treatments may include:
- Rest: Resting the affected muscle is an important part of treatment. This may require avoiding activities that involve the affected muscle or taking a break from strenuous activities.
- Cold compresses: Applying cold compresses to the affected area can help reduce swelling and pain.
- Medication: Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy: A physical therapist can design an exercise program to help reduce inflammation and restore strength and flexibility.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged tissue and help relieve inflammation.