It would seem that only athletes could have problems with injuries: both professionals and amateurs. However, with the arrival of spring, we take on more intense physical activities, such as walking on sunny days, cycling, spending time with pets or fulfilling New Year’s promises to lose unnecessary pounds. Unfortunately, if we do not prepare for the effort properly, we are subject to muscle strain. It can be very painful, but luckily, it is easy to deal with.

How does muscle stretch happen?

The muscle is stretched because of training without prior preparation, i.e. Warming up. In such a situation, he is exposed to microtrauma, which causes severe pain and swelling. It can also be sufficient in the event of accidental or sudden physical exertion, such as lifting heavy weights or running to the bus or tram. It can also happen because of injury or bruising. How do you recognize a stretched muscle? A very strong and piercing pain, aggravated by movement or touch, gives it. In addition, a bruise and swelling forms in its place.

How to deal with muscle tension?

Як боротися з напругою м'язів?
How to deal with muscle tension?

The first thing to do on the stretched muscle is to apply a cold compress. You can apply ice to the limb (preferably with a rag or gauze), or a specialized cold compress in the form of a gel. Cooling works best during the first 24 hours after injury to relieve pain and reduce swelling. On the second day, it is better to replace cold compresses with warm ones, for example, a heating pad. At the pharmacy, you can also buy special ointments that will help solve the problem – among them, the most effective with the addition of arnica.

Home remedies for stretched muscle

If you are feeling tense in your muscles, apple cider vinegar comes in handy. This natural preparation has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It will also help reduce swelling. How to apply it? It is best to pour two glasses of vinegar into a tub of warm water and soak the injured part of the body for half an hour. You can also try using it once a day for a week: simply dissolve a tablespoon of vinegar in a glass of warm water.

Clove oil for stretched muscle

Гвоздичне масло від розтягнутих м'язів
Clove oil for stretched muscle

Clove oil is useful for more than just aromatherapy. A natural remedy helps relieve inflammation and has analgesic and antiviral properties. Eugenol is responsible for this relationship – it will also be helpful in the case of a stretched muscle. It is enough to heat a teaspoon of the product, and then gently rub it into the sore spot.

Chili for stretched muscle

Чилі від розтягнутих м'язів
Chili for stretched muscle

Chili is a hot spice that gives a unique taste to many dishes. It contains capsaicin, which has analgesic, warming and anti-inflammatory effects. Chili can help with muscle tension. Just half a teaspoon of the preparation (or cayenne pepper) is mixed with the same amount of olive oil. It is enough to rub the prepared paste into the sore spot twice a day.

When should you see a doctor?

While home remedies usually bring relief quickly, specialist help is sometimes needed. Especially when the pain increases and the swelling does not decrease. The cause may be more injury that is serious and specialized tests performed to help determine the cause of the pain and provide effective treatment.