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Muscle Inflammation

Muscle inflammation is mostly caused due to overexertion/overuse of the affected muscle. Temporary treatment involves self-care tips, while chronic problems need advanced therapy.
Ningthoujam Sandhyarani
Muscle soreness, pain, and inflammation are all adverse effects of overusing a muscle in the affected area. As a consequence, muscle inflammation and pain are most common amongst sports persons, athletes, and those who perform strenuous exercise for losing weight.
Nevertheless, anyone can experience this condition, which is known as myositis in medical terms. An acute condition is not so serious and the symptoms will subside with simple remedies. Nevertheless, a prolonged case should not be neglected, as it can be a sign of some severe autoimmune disorder.

Causes

As mentioned already, the major causes are excessive strain or repeated use of muscle without resting.These causal factors are for temporary inflamed muscle.
In case of chronic muscle inflammation, the reason may be because of lupus, multiple sclerosis, and other autoimmune diseases. In such cases, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's tissues and muscle. Very often, people diagnosed with arthritis complain of this condition.
Any kind of inflammatory condition is associated with pain and discomfort. The same symptoms are manifested in inflamed muscle and fatigue. Other associated signs include swelling, soreness, stiffness, limited mobility, weakness, and generalized pain. In case of any suspected symptoms, proper rest is essential to promote tissue repair.

Remedies

Treatment for myositis actually starts with diagnosing the underlying cause of this medical problem. Without correct identification, therapeutic intervention is incomplete and the patient may experience recurrent pain. As per the existing condition of the patient and pain intensity, the doctor may consider different approaches.
Although there are therapeutic treatment options for myositis, the condition can be resolved with home remedies, like:
  • Using warm compresses over the inflamed muscle is the best remedy for giving instant pain relief. Exposing the affected muscle to warmth also promotes blood circulation in the area, which aids in reducing the pain.
  • Use a heating pad after warming up at a comfortable temperature. Or keep a gel pack in the oven, then heat and place it over the inflamed muscle. Reheat when the pack cools down.
  • Do not rely on ice packs. Yes, the cold ice numbs the pain area and combats myositis symptoms. But, repeated usage may reduce oxygen and blood circulation in the affected area.
  • Adequate rest and 8 hours of sleep everyday gives pain relief. It is claimed that taking Epsom salt water bath reduces the inflammation symptoms.
  • Applying warm essential oils that have curative and anti-inflammatory properties is another remedy. One can massage the pain area in circular movements with lukewarm clove oil.
  • If possible, consume anti-inflammatory foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids. Incorporate garlic and ginger in any form, and stay way from fatty meats, until symptoms improve completely.
  • Taking over-the-counter pain killers in correct dosage helps in alleviating the symptoms. Pain relieving drugs that one can purchase without prescription are ibuprofen and aspirin. This is just for temporary usage and an excess dose is not recommended.
In most people, muscle inflammation and pain subside gradually with proper resting and remedies. However, if the signs remain in an off-and-on condition for a long period, seek medical attention and proceed with the necessary treatment methods.
For chronic myositis treatment, massage therapy sessions and recovery exercises are usually suggested. The physician may also recommend anti-inflammatory prescription drugs to manage painful symptoms.