Pain in muscles and joints are common and seldom need to be treated by a doctor.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Stiffness and pain especially with movement
CAUSES
Strain due to overexertion
Injury
Inflammation
Wear and tear
TREATMENT AT HOME FOR MUSCLE PAIN
Massage affected part and keep it warm
Rest
Take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
TREATMENT AT HOME FOR JOINT PAIN
Rest the sore joint
Take painkillers as for muscle pain
STRAINS AND SPRAINS
RICE
Rest the injured part Ice wrapped in a cloth (or a bag of frozen peas can be used to reduce the swelling. But do not apply for longer than 15 minutes at a time.) Compress the injury gently with a bandage Elevate the injured part
WHEN TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR
If the pain in the joint or muscle does not improve after three days