How Can You Tell If A Muscle Is Sore Or Injured?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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“When soreness is accompanied by sharp pains or aches that continue to linger on after a few days, it may be cause for concern and time to see a physician,” says Rebound physical therapist Mike Baer. “

When you're feeling painful sensations localized in your joints and muscles, you may have an injury

.”

How long does sore muscles last?

Muscle soreness is a side effect of the stress put on muscles when you exercise. It is commonly called Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, or DOMS, and it is completely normal. DOMS usually begins within 6-8 hours after a new activity or a change in activity, and can last

up to 24-48 hours after the exercise

.

Do sore muscles burn fat?

Also, as you get into a regular exercise schedule your muscles will adapt and the soreness will lessen over time. But to answer the question –

no, sore muscles do not burn fat directly

. You burn calories both during your workout and after your workout.

How do you tell if a muscle is tight or pulled?

  1. sudden onset of pain.
  2. soreness.
  3. limited range of movement.
  4. bruising or discoloration.
  5. swelling.
  6. a “knotted-up” feeling.
  7. muscle spasms.
  8. stiffness.

How do you tell if an injury is muscular or skeletal?


Bone pain usually feels deeper, sharper, and more intense than muscle pain

. Muscle pain also feels more generalized throughout the body and tends to ease within a day or two, while bone pain is more focused and lasts longer. Bone pain is also less common than joint or muscle pain, and should always be taken seriously.

How long does a strained muscle take to heal?

Typically, discomfort from a pulled muscle will last between

three to six weeks

. On the other hand, recovery for more severe muscle strains can take several months. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to prevent a pulled muscle, and we've listed a few of them below.

Should I still workout if I'm sore?

In most cases,

gentle recovery exercises like walking or swimming are safe if you're sore after working out

. They may even be beneficial and help you recover faster. But it's important to rest if you're experiencing symptoms of fatigue or are in pain.

Should I stretch sore muscles?

Ease Those Aching Muscles

“People don't stretch enough,” he says. “

Stretching helps break the cycle

,” which goes from soreness to muscle spasm to contraction and tightness. Take it easy for a few days while your body adapts, says Torgan. Or try some light exercise such as walking or swimming, she suggests.

Do sore muscles mean growth?

Muscle soreness is related to muscle damage, which

can promote, but is not required for, muscle growth

. In a nutshell, unless your goal is to feel sore, then you don't need to be sore after every workout.

How do I lose belly fat?

  1. Eat plenty of soluble fiber. …
  2. Avoid foods that contain trans fats. …
  3. Don't drink too much alcohol. …
  4. Eat a high protein diet. …
  5. Reduce your stress levels. …
  6. Don't eat a lot of sugary foods. …
  7. Do aerobic exercise (cardio) …
  8. Cut back on carbs — especially refined carbs.

How do you lose weight lying in bed?

  1. Find out your basal metabolic rate. This is the number of calories your body burns daily if you were to stay in bed all day. …
  2. Perform light activities in bed to burn more calories. …
  3. Perform progressive muscle relaxation while lying down to burn a few more calories.

Should I eat more when sore?

When it comes to , nutrition is essential. Although your overall diet is what matters most,

adding particular foods and drinks to your diet, including tart cherry juice, fatty fish, watermelon, and whey protein, may speed muscle recovery and reduce exercise-related soreness

.

Did I pull a muscle?

Signs you have a muscle strain


Bruising, swelling or redness at the injury site

. Difficulty using the affected muscle. Muscle weakness. Sudden pain when using the affected muscle.

Are pulled muscles hard to heal?

The duration of recovery after a muscle strain will depend on the severity of the injury.

Most soft tissue injuries take a few weeks to heal, but severe strains may take much longer

. Trying to return to normal activities too soon can cause further injury, so always follow a doctor's instructions and start gently.

How do you fix a pulled muscle?

  1. Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort. …
  2. Ice. Even if you're seeking medical help, ice the area immediately. …
  3. Compression. To help stop swelling, compress the area with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. …
  4. Elevation.

When should I be worried about muscle pain?


You have a serious loss of movement with the muscle ache

. You cannot put any weight on your joint. You think the injured area appears deformed. You are suffering from severe pain, and the area feels warm or swollen.

When should I go to the doctor for muscle pain?

When to See a Doctor


Persistent muscle pain that does not improve with self-care or over-the-counter pain medication

. Redness and swelling around a sore muscle (a sign of infection) Systemic muscle pain (pain throughout the body), which may indicate an infection or underlying illness.

Does muscle pain move around?


With time, pain can spread from one part of the body to another, shift, expand or radiate

, making treatment even harder. One common way that pain spreads to other parts of the body is by overcompensation, where we change our movement patterns in order to compensate the injured or hurt part of the body.

Is heat good for a pulled muscle?

A pulled muscle should first be treated using the R.I.C.E. method. During the first 72 hours, heat should be avoided to prevent increased swelling and inflammation.

After about 72 hours, heat can be incorporated into treatment to increase blood flow and aid the overall healing process

.

What helps sore muscles fast?

  1. Gentle stretching.
  2. Muscle massage.
  3. Rest.
  4. Ice to help reduce inflammation.
  5. Heat to help increase blood flow to your muscles. …
  6. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicine, such as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen (brand name: Advil).

Is heat or cold better for strained muscles?

Typically,

cold is most appropriate for acute injuries and heat is a better bet for chronic injuries

. Placing an ice pack on an acute injury immediately helps to reduce pain and swelling because ice is a vasoconstrictor.

Why do sore muscles feel good?

The soreness you feel post-grind is actually the result of

small tears in your muscles

. These micro-tears trigger your muscles to grow and overly compensate for the activity you've just put them through – so they regenerate, creating new muscle fibre that makes us stronger.

Is working out everyday OK?


As long as you're not pushing yourself too hard or getting obsessive about it, working out every day is fine

. Make sure it's something you enjoy without being too strict with yourself, especially during times of illness or injury.

Why am I so sore 2 days after working out?

“Muscle soreness is especially common after doing a workout you're not used to.” Research shows that

DOMS is caused by microscopic damage to muscles and the surrounding connective tissues, which leads to inflammation and shifts of fluid and electrolytes

.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.