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