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Muscle injuries can be extremely painful and debilitating, and they can affect people of all ages. Most muscle injuries can be treated at home with rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication, compression, and elevation. However, if your pain does not improve with self-care, it may be necessary to see a doctor. Doctors who treat muscle pain include primary care providers, orthopaedic doctors, physiatrists, rheumatologists, and hand surgeons. Orthopaedic doctors and surgeons, a subset of which specialize in sports medicine, treat pain in the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Physiatrists treat muscle pain stemming from spinal cord-related injuries, lumbar strains, and spinal stenosis. Rheumatologists specialize in treating muscle aches and pains from rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Doctor | Orthopedic doctor, Physiatrist, Rheumatologist, Primary care provider |
| When to Visit | Muscle pain persists for more than a week, acute pain during a task, numbness, bruising, swelling, difficulty moving limbs, redness, high fever, trouble breathing, muscle weakness, sudden injury, fall, or heavy lifting |
| Treatment | Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication, compression, elevation, physical therapy, surgery |
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What You'll Learn
When to see a doctor for muscle pain
Muscle pain can often be treated at home with rest and self-care. Over-the-counter pain medication and the P.R.I.C.E. method (protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation) can also help alleviate discomfort. However, if your pain does not improve within one to two weeks, it may be time to see a doctor.
If you experience persistent muscle pain that does not respond to self-care or over-the-counter medication, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Additionally, if you notice redness and swelling around the sore muscle, it may indicate an infection that requires medical attention. Systemic muscle pain throughout the body could signal an underlying illness or infection, warranting a visit to a physician.
Shoulder soreness or symptoms of a rotator cuff tear, as well as pain that interferes with your sleep or daily activities, are other reasons to seek medical advice. If you experience pain or difficulty when performing certain movements, such as reaching backward, across your body, or raising your arm, it is best to consult a doctor.
Specialist Doctors for Muscle Injuries
Orthopedic doctors specialise in treating muscle injuries and pain. They can provide patient-centred care and treatment options, including surgery if needed. Hand surgeons, a type of orthopedic doctor, focus on treating hand and shoulder conditions, including muscle strains in the upper extremities. They can offer specialised care to alleviate pain and improve your condition.
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Orthopedic doctors
Muscle pain can be a debilitating condition that affects people of all ages. It can be caused by anything from a simple injury to a whole-body illness. For instance, a blow to a muscle could cause local inflammation or bleeding inside the muscle tissue. Chronic trauma to muscles, like long-distance running on concrete, can cause compartment syndrome, where loss of blood supply can lead to severe and permanent consequences for the injured limb.
If you are experiencing persistent muscle pain that does not improve with self-care or over-the-counter pain medication, it may be time to see an orthopedic doctor. They can help diagnose and treat the issue to prevent further damage.
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Physiatrists
If you are experiencing muscle pain due to an injury or unknown causes, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment with a doctor. For muscle injuries, you can consider seeing a physiatrist or an orthopedic doctor.
In addition to EMG, physiatrists may employ other techniques such as TPI injections, which can contain anesthetics, anti-inflammatory medications, or botulinum toxin (Botox), to relieve muscle pain and tenderness from strains, pinched nerves, arthritis, and spinal conditions. They may also use electrotherapy, including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and interferential current (IFC) therapy, to help tissues heal and calm nerves sending pain signals.
If you are experiencing persistent muscle pain that does not improve with rest, self-care, or over-the-counter medication, it is advisable to consult with a physician, such as a physiatrist, to receive appropriate treatment and prevent further complications.
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Rheumatologists
If you are experiencing muscle pain, it is important to understand when to see a doctor to prevent the problem from worsening and to avoid complications. While resting and self-care at home can help with temporary muscle pain, if there is no improvement within a week or two, it may be necessary to see a doctor.
A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in rheumatology, the study of rheumatic diseases. Rheumatic diseases include a wide range of musculoskeletal and autoinflammatory conditions. Rheumatologists diagnose and treat complex autoimmune and musculoskeletal conditions affecting the connective tissues. They treat conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. Rheumatic diseases can be hereditary, and screening can help catch them early. If you develop symptoms that suggest a rheumatic disease, your primary care provider might refer you to a rheumatologist.
If you are experiencing joint pain, it is important to understand whether to see a rheumatologist or an orthopedist. The main difference between rheumatology and orthopedics is that orthopedists are surgical specialists, whereas rheumatologists are medical specialists who use medication and other nonsurgical treatments. Orthopedists often treat conditions such as osteoarthritis, nerve pain, sports injuries, and osteoporosis. If you are unsure about which specialist to see, it is recommended to seek guidance from your primary care provider.
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Warning signs of a serious muscle injury
Muscle pain is a common issue, often caused by exercise, playing sports, repetitive stress, or impact injuries. While it usually improves with rest, ice, and gentle stretches, there are times when it can indicate a more serious problem. Here are some warning signs of a serious muscle injury:
Sudden Sharp Pain
If you experience a sharp or stabbing pain out of the blue, especially during physical activity, it could be a sign of a muscle tear or sprain. This type of injury may also be accompanied by swelling, bruising, or muscle spasms. Stop the activity immediately and rest the affected area. If the pain persists or is accompanied by fever or chills, seek medical attention as it could indicate an infection or a more serious condition like deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Persistent Pain
While muscle soreness typically fades within a few days, pain that lingers for weeks or worsens over time could indicate a more serious issue. Persistent pain that does not improve with self-care, rest, or over-the-counter pain medication may require medical attention. This could be a sign of tendonitis, nerve compression, or an autoimmune disease.
Systemic Symptoms
If muscle pain is widespread and accompanied by other systemic symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty sleeping, or cognitive issues, it might indicate a systemic condition like chronic fatigue syndrome. These types of symptoms can affect multiple areas of your health and daily functioning, so it is important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Previous Injuries
Muscles that have been injured before are more susceptible to re-injury and tearing. Previous injuries can weaken the muscle, making it more vulnerable to further damage. If you have a history of muscle injuries, it is important to be vigilant about any new pain or discomfort and seek medical advice if concerned.
It is always better to err on the side of caution when dealing with muscle injuries. If you are concerned about the severity or persistence of your muscle pain, don't hesitate to consult a healthcare professional, such as an orthopedic doctor, for a proper evaluation and treatment plan.
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Frequently asked questions
Orthopedic doctors and surgeons specialize in treating pain in the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Physiatrists, rheumatologists, and primary care providers also treat muscle pain.
Muscle pain that is caused by exercise, playing sports, repetitive stress, or impact injuries is usually temporary and will get better with rest and self-care at home. However, if you experience muscle pain for more than a week, have swelling or bruising at the injury site, or cannot fully move your legs or arms, you should see a doctor.
You can treat a muscle injury at home with rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, compression, and elevation.
