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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffAlmost everyone has sore, aching muscles now and then. Muscle pain (myalgia) can range from mild to excruciating, and though it often goes away in a few days, some muscle pain can linger for months. Muscle pain can develop almost anywhere in your body, including your neck, back, legs and even your hands. Although it's usually localized to one or a few muscles, it may be more widespread.
References
- Muscle strains in the thigh. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00306. Accessed July 14, 2010.
- Alvarez DJ, et al. Trigger points: Diagnosis and management. American Family Physician. 2002;65:653.
- Cheung K, et al. Delayed onset muscle soreness: Treatment strategies and performance factors. Sports Medicine. 2003;33:145.
- Filho JAF, et al. Muscle pain and cramps. In: Bradley WG, et al. Neurology in Clinical Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Butterworth Heinemann Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/linkTo?type=bookPage&isbn=978-0-7506-7525-3&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7506-7525-3..50031-5. Accessed July 16, 2010.
- Shmerling RH. Approach to the patient with myalgia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 16, 2010.
- Rosenson RS, et al. Muscle injury associated with lipid lowering drugs. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 16, 2010.
- Sprains and strains. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Sprains_Strains/default.asp. Accessed July 16, 2010.
- Ropper AH, et al. Disorders of muscle characterized by cramp, spasm, pain, and localized masses. In: Ropper AH, et al. Adams and Victor's Principles of Neurology. 9th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=3643105. Accessed July 16, 2010.
- Mohler ER. Clinical features, diagnosis, and natural history of lower extremity peripheral arterial disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 16, 2010.
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