Muscle Tenderness Overview

What is the significance of muscle tenderness?
A person with muscle tenderness has muscle pain when pressure is applied to the skin over a muscle. Muscle tenderness is commonly associated with a muscle injury, such as a muscle strain or a muscle rupture. Causes of muscle tenderness include torticollis, fibromyalgia, rhabdomyolysis, polymyositis, tick borne illness, Lyme disease, drug side effects and muscle infections.

What symptoms may accompany muscle tenderness?
Symptoms that may accompany muscle tenderness include muscle stiffness, muscle cramps, muscle pain, and muscle weakness. Depending on the location of the stiffness, symptoms may include leg pain, arm pain, neck pain, abdominal pain, and back pain. Less common symptoms include fever, nausea, and dark brown urine.

How does the doctor treat muscle tenderness?
Treatment for muscle tenderness depends on the underlying cause. Treatment may include muscle stretching, massage, or muscle relaxant medications. Additional treatment may include intravenous fluids and electrolyte replacement.

Last Updated: Aug 18, 2010 References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
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