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Muscle aches (myalgia)

Also called: Myalgia, sore muscles, muscle soreness, DOMS

Aches or pain in one or more muscles. Most muscle aches come from overuse, a new workout, tension, or a virus like the flu, and get better in a few days.

TypeA symptom
Common causesExercise, strain, stress, flu
Usually lastsA few days

Overview

Sore muscles after new or hard exercise usually start 1 to 2 days later and fade within a week.

Body aches with fever are often from a viral illness. Some medicines, like statins, can also cause muscle pain.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Muscle pain after activity
  • Aching or soreness

Less common

  • Stiffness
  • Mild swelling

When to get medical care

Call 911Trouble breathing, chest pain, or sudden severe weakness.
Get care todaySevere pain with very dark (cola-colored) urine, little urine, or weakness after hard exercise or a crush injury.
See a doctor soonPain that lasts more than a week, pain with a rash or fever, or pain after starting a new medicine.

Causes

Overuse and tiny muscle tears from exercise, injury, tension, viral infections, some medicines, and some health conditions.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Starting a new workout
  • Statin medicines
  • Thyroid problems
  • Flu or COVID-19

Possible complications

Diagnosis

Most muscle aches don't need tests.

Questions you may be asked

  • What you were doing before it started
  • New medicines
  • Fever, weakness, or dark urine

The exam

They'll check your muscles for tenderness, swelling, and strength.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Blood tests: Like CK, to look for muscle damage, or thyroid tests.

Treatment

Rest and simple care help most muscle aches.

Self-care

  • Rest the sore area: then return to activity slowly
  • Use ice for the first 1 to 2 days: then heat
  • Stretch gently and get a massage
  • Drink fluids

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Pain relievers
Aches and sorenessIbuprofen and naproxen can upset the stomach and aren't for everyone. Follow the label.

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

If a medicine might be the cause, don't stop it on your own. Ask your prescriber.

Prevention

To prevent sore muscles:

  • Warm up and cool down
  • Increase exercise slowly
  • Drink water

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a physical therapist, or a sports medicine doctor.
  • A physical therapist can help with exercises to rebuild strength and motion.

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Older adults: New muscle pain with stiffness in the shoulders and hips needs a doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most muscle aches go away in a few days with rest.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • List of medicines and supplements

Questions to ask

  • Could a medicine be causing this?
  • Do I need blood tests?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Muscle aches (myalgia)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.