What is muscle stiffness?
Muscle stiffness is when your muscles feel tight and it is difficult for you to move than usual. Especially after rest. Muscle pains, cramping, and discomfort may also go with it. It is different from muscle rigidity and spasticity. Your muscles do not stay stiff when you are not moving. Muscle stiffness usually disappears on its own. Be mindful because it can be a sign of something more serious. Especially if there are other symptoms present.
When should you see a doctor?
You should seek medical attention if your muscle stiffness does not go away. Or if you experience the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Extreme muscle weakness
- Redness, pain, and swelling in the area of muscle stiffness
- Muscle pain after a new medication
What are the common causes of muscle stiffness?
It usually occurs after a rigid exercise. As well as hard physical work or lifting something heavy. You may also feel stiffness after a long period of inactivity. An example of this is when you get out of bed in the morning. Or when you stand up after sitting for a very long time. Other common conditions that cause muscle stiffness include the following:
- Insect bite or sting
- Infections such as polio and valley fever
- Injury from extreme temperature
- Anesthesia or medication after surgery
- Tetanus
- Meningitis
- HIV
- Infectious mononucleosis or mono
- Systemic lupus erythematosus of SLE
These are some of the conditions that can cause muscle stiffness. Be sure to inform your doctor about all your symptoms.
Diagnosing muscle stiffness
Your doctor will ask about your medical history. He or she will also need to know other symptoms you experience that come with your muscle stiffness. This will help determine the underlying cause. A physical examination will enable him or her to locate your pain or stiffness. Your doctor may also order blood or other laboratory tests. These include x-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans.
Treating muscle stiffness
Your doctor will determine the cause of your muscle stiffness first. Then he or she will be able to recommend a treatment. Your treatment will depend on the cause. The doctor usually recommends anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen. This lessens pain and discomfort. Never self-medicate. Consult a doctor before you take any medication.
Home treatments
Rest, massage and application of heat or cold will treat muscle stiffness at home. Heat works better for muscle tightness. Cold works better for swelling and inflammation. You can use hot and cold packs, heating pads, and heat therapy patches. You can use FASCIABLASTER to massage the stiff muscles. It will reduce muscle tension and will relax your fascia.
There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to preventing muscle stiffness. Make sure you stay hydrated. And getting enough of the right nutrients. Also, ensure that you have enough water in your body to help your muscles work well. A healthy diet is very important to prevent muscle stiffness.
