Walking Can Help Reduce Aches & Pains
It used to be that aches and pains were ignored and neglected. However, current developments in medical treatment now have advanced pain management practices for patients suffering from a wide variety of ailments. In truth, pain management can help ease or reduce pain so you are able to function again.
Muscle Aches and Pains
Muscle aches and pains are very common and can include more than one muscle. Pain can also encompass the tendons, fascia and ligaments. Fascia is the soft tissues that attach the organs, bones and muscles.
Aches and pains that are caused by muscle tissue can include a variety of symptoms such as muscle tightness, reduced mobility, constant discomfort, stiff joints, numbness, unexplained tiredness, constant aching and a prickling sensation.
Possible Causes
Muscle aches and pains are most often due to injury, overuse and tension from exercise or arduous work. Generally, the pain is comprised of specific muscles. As well, the pain begins during or right after the activity. In fact, it is usually apparent what activity caused the pain.
However, muscle pain can be a sign of conditions distressing your entire body. For instance, there are certain illnesses and infections (including the flu) that distress the whole body’s connective tissues. In fact, a common condition that causes muscle pain is fibromyalgia. This condition can cause soreness in the muscle and fascia, fatigue, headaches and insomnia.
Other possible causes of aches and pain include:
• Trauma or injury
• Stress or tension
• Using a muscle to soon before warming up
• Infections like muscle abscess, the flu, malaria, polio and Lyme disease
• Diseases such as fibromyalgia, lupus, Rhabdomyolysis and Polymyositis
• Various drugs like statins for high cholesterol, inhibitors for high blood pressure and cocaine
Ways to Reduce Pain
One of the best ways to reduce pain and aches is with walking. In fact, even certain diseases like fibromyalgia respond well to both massage and gentle walking exercises. Even WebMD recommends walking to reduce lower back pain.
Since many exercises have a high impact on the body and can place too much stress on the muscles, walking and swimming are the most endorsed forms of exercise. However, not everyone has access to a swimming pool, so walking is generally the most recommended. Plus, walking is more natural and does not involve costs for a program (unless desired).
In truth, walking helps restore proper muscle tone and may help relieve tension in the tendons. Not only can it reduce pain but walking may help restore mobility. When you start walking again, it is recommended that you do not start where you left off. You should always slowly work back into your walking routine a little at a time. Try hard not to overdo it; too much walking may in fact aggravate the problem. So start gradually. In the beginning, walk every other day. As well, make sure to stretch about 5 minutes before going on your walk. As well, the first and last 5 minutes of walking should be at a slow pace (one for warm up and the other 5 minutes to cool down). In some cases; you may briefly need a crutch or cane to decrease pressure.
When to Seek Advice
It is best to seek medical advice and the attention of a professional MD if you have the following symptoms:
• Pain more than 3 days
• Unexplained, severe pain
• Swelling, tenderness or infection
• Poor circulation where the muscle aches
If you have any of these symptoms or you have chronic pain, you should explore the medical options provided by Dr. V. K. Puppala. In truth, Dr. V. K. Puppala is a leading pain specialist in the Atlanta area. As an MD, he can help diagnose the aches and pains plus treat them effectively. Dr. Puppala is located in Villa Rica, GA and serves patients from the surrounding Metro area including Carrollton, Douglasville, Dallas, Lithia Springs, Austell, Fairburn and more.