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Muscle aches and pains

1-minute read

General muscular aches and pains are common. They're often caused by the unfamiliar use or overuse of muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia (the soft tissues that connect muscles).

Muscle aches and pains are one of the symptoms of COVID-19. Even if your symptoms are mild, get tested for COVID-19 immediately — use the COVID-19 Symptom Checker if you're not sure what to do.

Treatment will depend on the cause and extent of the injury, whether the cause is a general ache or pain from overuse, or a more serious injury.

Follow the links below to find information about muscle aches and pains.

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Last reviewed: March 2021

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Top results

Topical medicines for musculoskeletal pain

Topical analgesics are rubbed in to the skin for the temporary relief of muscle or joint pain. Find out more about these over-counter-medicines

Read more on NPS MedicineWise website

Muscle cramp - Better Health Channel

A muscle cramp is an uncontrollable and painful spasm of a muscle.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

10 things you need to know about low back pain - NPS MedicineWise

Low back pain is common, affecting 1 in 4 Australians. Find out why scans are often unnecessary, and how staying active helps you recover faster.

Read more on NPS MedicineWise website

Leg cramps - MyDr.com.au

Leg cramps are a sudden, painful spasm or contraction of a leg muscle. They often happen at night and wake you from sleep. Leg cramps usually get better when you stretch the affected muscles.

Read more on myDr website

Anterior knee pain (children) — Arthritis Australia

Anterior knee pain is pain which occurs in the front of the knee around the knee cap

Read more on Arthritis Australia website

Massage - Musculoskeletal Australia (MSK)

Massage is a pain management technique that involves rubbing and manipulating the soft tissues of your body, especially your muscles. Find out more.

Read more on Musculoskeletal Australia website

Leg ache - causes and symptoms - MyDr.com.au

Leg ache or leg pain is a symptom with many possible causes, that may involve muscles, nerves or blood vessels.

Read more on myDr website

Back Pain — Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment | MSK Australia

Do you have back pain? Find out about the different causes, how you can manage your musculoskeletal condition, and where to find support. Call us: 1800 263 265

Read more on Musculoskeletal Australia website

Neck Pain — Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment | MSK Australia

Do you have neck pain? Find out about the different causes, how you can manage your musculoskeletal condition, and where to find support. Call us: 1800 263 265

Read more on Musculoskeletal Australia website

Relaxation for pain relief - Musculoskeletal Australia (MSK)

Do you live with persistent pain? Find out how pain and stress can make your pain levels worse, how relaxing can help reduce this & how MSK can help.

Read more on Musculoskeletal Australia website

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