November 12, 2007

Health Tip: Aches and Pains?

(HealthDay News) - Muscle aches most often occur due to overuse or straining during activity, but they may also be triggered by certain diseases and conditions.

Here are possible at-home treatments to soothe sore muscles, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

• For the first three days after a muscle injury, apply ice to the area.
• After the first three days, apply heat to the area.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Try gently massaging and stretching the area. Also, rest the muscle as much as possible.
• Once the muscle feels like it has begun to heal, try some light exercise to get back into shape. Walking, swimming and other low-impact exercises are good choices.
• If you continue to have pain in the injured area, see your doctor.

-- Diana Kohnle

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