Muscle stiffness commonly occurs after an intense workout or after holding a position for too long.
It may be accompanied by other symptoms such as cramps or muscle spasms.
In these cases, stiffness can often be managed by icing the muscle or stretching.
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You may need to see a healthcare provider in these instances.
You may also feel stiff after exercising, and that sensation could last a few days.
Symptoms that may appear with stiffness include pain walking and muscle spasms.
Other symptoms may occur if your stiffness is related to an underlying health condition.
Symptoms often begin 12 to 24 hours after exercise and peak around 24 to 72 hours.
Rhabdomyolysis
Rhabdomyolysisis an uncommon but potentially life-threatening medical condition that can result from physical exertion.
It is due to excessive muscle damage that releases proteins and electrolytes into the blood.
Injury
Muscle stiffness can occur with injuries likemuscle strains or ligament sprains.
Minor injuries often resolve within a few days.
However, if your symptoms persist, see a healthcare provider.
Severe injuries are diagnosed with imaging such asX-raysandmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Your provider may recommendphysical therapy, or in more severe cases, you may need surgery.
Treatment could include physical therapy, NSAIDs, orcortisone injectionsto decrease inflammation.
Autoimmune Conditions
Polymyalgia rheumaticais a disease that comes up whenever the body attacks its healthy tissues.
This condition causes inflammation and muscle stiffness throughout the body.
Other symptoms include:
Polymyalgiarheumaticais diagnosed through a physical exam and blood tests.
It is treated with medication to decrease inflammation and exercise to decrease stiffness.
Treatment includes medication, activity modifications to decrease stress on affected joints, and physical therapy.
In severe cases, you may need surgery.
Lupusis an autoimmune disease that causes muscle pain and stiffness for most people with the condition.
Vitamin Deficiency
Nutritional balance plays an important role in strength and muscle performance.
Vitamin Bdeficiency andiron deficiency anemiacan both also cause muscle weakness and stiffness.
Insects can also carry diseases that cause muscle stiffness.
For example, tick bites can lead toLyme disease.
What Medication Can Cause Stiff Muscles?
How to Treat Muscle Stiffness
To address muscle stiffness, you better treat the underlying cause.
Active recovery is also recommended for DOMS.
This involves engaging in less-intense physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or gentle stretching.
In cases of vitamin or mineral deficiencies, your healthcare provider may recommend supplements or dietary changes.
Summary
Muscle stiffness is common, particularly after strenuous activity.
This symptom can also occur with injuries, musculoskeletal conditions, or autoimmune diseases.
Muscle stiffness can develop from insect bites or stings or be a side effect of certain medications.
Diagnosis and treatment are specific to the underlying cause.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have muscle stiffness that persists for more than a few days.
Stiffness can affect your movement, eventually leading to problems in other parts of your body.
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