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
• If the joint looks deformed
• If there is swelling
• If mobility is badly affected