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Remedy for Muscles That are Sore, Tired or Pulled

Sore, tired and pulled muscles are uncomfortable and painful after a workout. Some types of exercise such as downhill running, weight lifting and hiking can cause a greater amount of muscle soreness than other forms of exercise. Sore muscles commonly appear 24 to 48 hours after exercise, and may last five to seven days. A variety of simple, at-home remedies can alleviate the aches and pains associated with muscle injury after an exercise session. Don't have a sports injury keep you on the couch; remember, sore and tender muscles are part of exercising. Proper treatment is essential for quick recovery.

  1. Working Out vs. Rest

    • Continue to work muscles that are sore and tired using the same work out regiment; continuing to exercise will actually decrease the aches and pains; the body will acclimate to the work out schedule. Avoid working the pulled muscle to avoid further injury; remember that other muscles in the body can continue to be conditioned, suggests The Mayo Clinic. Use the 10 percent rule when working out; increase work out regimen by ten percent each week to avoid injury.

    Over-the-Counter Medications

    • Take medications to decrease inflammation, aches and pains associated with muscle injury. Follow the directions for the proper dosage and only take the recommended amount. Look for medications containing ibuprofen, acetaminophen and naproxen sodium. If paint and discomfort are still apparent after taking medication know that the symptoms may be signs of an underlying injury.

    Ice and Heat Therapy

    • Apply ice or cold gel packs within 24 to 72 hours of muscle injury. Remember cold compressions are only affective immediately after an injury. Do not apply ice to skin more than several minutes. Immediately remove if skin begins to turn white to avoid frost bite. Switch to heat therapy after 72 hours. Use a hot water bottle, heating blanket or warm compress to the muscle. Always have a towel or thin blanket between the source of heat and skin to avoid burns. Try taking a hot and cold showers to decrease muscle fatigue. Alternate the heat level of the shower water every two minutes; take a two minute hot shower and then a two minute cold shower, suggests Mother Earth, a website devoted to natural and holistic treatment. Fill a garbage bag with ice and dump into the bathtub for an immediate ice bath after working out. Hot baths are also beneficial after working out; however, wait several hours before taking the plunge.

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