Almost everyone has felt sore, achy muscles after a busy weekend or a hard workout. Most of the time, the discomfort fades on its own within a few days. But when muscle pain lingers, spreads, or shows up without a clear reason, it may be time to look closer. Here’s what you should know about myalgia muscle pain, from common causes and symptoms to diagnosis, treatment, and when to see an orthopedic specialist.
What Is Myalgia?
Myalgia is the medical term for muscle pain. It can affect a single muscle or several muscle groups at once, and it may also involve the tendons, ligaments, and fascia that surround and connect your muscles. Myalgia is a symptom rather than a disease, so treatment depends on finding what’s causing it.
Common Causes of Myalgia
According to MedlinePlus, muscle pain is most often linked to tension, overuse, or injury from exercise or physically demanding work. Common causes include:
- Overuse: Using a muscle too much, too soon, or without warming up
- Muscle strains: Overstretched or torn muscle fibers, often from lifting, twisting, or sports
- Tension and stress: Tight muscles in the neck, shoulders, and back from posture or stress
- Infections: Viral illnesses like the flu often cause whole-body aches
- Medications: Some drugs, including cholesterol-lowering statins, are linked to muscle aches
- Chronic conditions: Fibromyalgia, lupus, polymyalgia rheumatica, and thyroid problems can all cause ongoing muscle pain
Symptoms of Myalgia
Myalgia can feel different depending on the cause. Common symptoms include:
- Dull, constant aching or sharp, localized pain
- Muscle tenderness when pressed
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting
- Muscle cramps or spasms
- Fatigue or a heavy feeling in the limbs
- Swelling or bruising after an injury
Localized myalgia usually affects one area and is often tied to a specific activity or injury. Systemic myalgia causes aches throughout the body and is more likely to point to an infection, medication side effect, or chronic condition. For example, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases describes fibromyalgia as a long-term disorder that causes widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep problems.
How Myalgia Is Diagnosed
Because myalgia has so many possible causes, diagnosis starts with a detailed conversation and physical exam. Your provider will ask when the pain started, what activities make it better or worse, what medications you take, and whether you’ve had other symptoms like fever or weakness.
From there, your provider may recommend:
- Blood tests: A creatine kinase test checks for muscle damage, while other blood work can look for inflammation, infection, or thyroid problems.
- Imaging: X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound can reveal muscle tears, strains, and problems in nearby bones and joints. Our on-site imaging services make this step faster and more convenient.
- Nerve and muscle tests: In some cases, an electromyography (EMG) test measures how well muscles and nerves are working.
Treatment Options for Myalgia Muscle Pain
Treatment for myalgia muscle pain focuses on relieving discomfort and addressing the underlying cause.
At-Home Care
Mild myalgia from overuse or minor strains often improves with rest, ice for new injuries, heat for stiffness, gentle stretching, and good hydration. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also help. For more ideas, see our guide to home remedies for muscle pain.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy helps restore strength, flexibility, and movement. A therapist can create a personalized plan with targeted exercises, manual therapy, and techniques to prevent pain from coming back.
Medical Treatment
For persistent or severe pain, your provider may recommend prescription medications, adjusting a current medication, or treating an underlying condition. Our interventional pain management specialists also offer options for muscle pain that doesn’t respond to conservative care.
When to See an Orthopedic Specialist
Many cases of myalgia resolve with home care, but some symptoms need professional attention. See a specialist if:
- Muscle pain lasts longer than a few days despite rest and home care
- Pain keeps coming back in the same area
- You notice muscle weakness or trouble moving a limb
- The area is very swollen, bruised, or you heard a pop when the injury happened
- Pain started after beginning a new medication
Seek emergency care right away if severe muscle pain comes with dark urine, high fever, a stiff neck, or trouble breathing.
Our sports medicine specialists diagnose and treat muscle strains, overuse injuries, and recurring muscle pain, then work with you on a recovery plan that fits your goals.
Get Relief from Myalgia Muscle Pain
Myalgia muscle pain is common, but it doesn’t have to slow you down. Understanding the cause is the first step toward lasting relief. If muscle pain is affecting your daily life, our team is here to help.
Visit our Walk-In Clinics for same-day care, or schedule an appointment with one of our specialists for a comprehensive evaluation.