Movement pain or strain pain refers to pain that occurs only as a result of movement of the corresponding body part. In contrast, very little or no discomfort occurs at rest. It can originate from the joint or from the muscles and can affect the entire musculoskeletal system.
What is motion pain?
By the term movement pain, physicians mean pain in the musculoskeletal system that occurs as a direct result of movement. By the term movement pain, physicians understand pain in the musculoskeletal system that occurs as a direct result of movement. It is thus in direct contrast to pain at rest, where no movement is necessary to cause discomfort. Movement pain can affect almost all parts of the musculoskeletal system and originate either in the respective joints or in the muscles. The painful complaints are particularly common in the back and shoulder area. Many German citizens are temporarily or even chronically affected by movement pain; experts already speak of a “widespread disease” in this context. Depending on the cause and the advanced stage, complete freedom from pain can be achieved under certain circumstances through appropriate therapy.
Causes
Movement pain occurs frequently, especially in advanced age. In many cases, the reason is osteoarthritis, a wear and tear of the joint cartilage, which leads to the typical movement pain. Arthrosis can occur in the knee or hip joints, for example. Rheumatic inflammation of the muscles and joints in the musculoskeletal system can also be a cause of painful complaints. Injuries such as a sprain or fracture of a joint involved in the musculoskeletal system also lead to pain on movement; however, in these cases there is also parallel pain at rest until the injury has healed. Reduced blood flow to the legs can bring about so-called ischemic movement pain. Known in this context is especially the shop window disease.
Diseases with this symptom
- Osteoarthritis
- Obesity
- Neuropathy
- Metabolic disorder
- Diabetes mellitus
- Muscular dystrophy
- Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Gallstones
- Arteriosclerosis
- Rheumatism
- Smoker’s leg
- Thrombosis
- Arterial occlusive disease
- Raynaud’s syndrome
- Shoulder-Arm Syndrome
- Osteoporosis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Herniated disc
Diagnosis and course
Movement pain is only one cause of an existing disease or injury and can itself be diagnosed very easily. The attending physician places particular emphasis on determining the cause that leads to the discomfort in the individual case. In addition to mobility and muscle function tests, imaging measures such as an X-ray examination or a computer tomography can take place. These provide information about the condition of the bones and joints. In this way, for example, possible age-related wear and tear or even injuries can be detected. Movement pain that occurs as a result of an injury usually subsides with appropriate treatment. If osteoarthritis or circulatory disorders are the cause, the complaints worsen if left untreated and significantly restrict the mobility of the affected person in the course.
Complications
Pain on movement occurs only when the corresponding body parts are loaded; it is also referred to as pain on exertion. At rest, sufferers often have no to very little pain at all. This can originate from a muscle, a nerve can be pinched or the pain is caused in a joint. In medicine, movement pain means that the musculoskeletal system hurts as a result of movement. All parts of the musculoskeletal system can be affected, but most commonly the shoulder and back are affected. In the meantime, many people are even chronically affected; physicians already speak of a true “widespread disease”. Movement pain naturally increases with age, and arthrosis is to blame. Arthrosis is a wear and tear of the joints. Osteoarthritis is often found in the hip or knee joints, while rheumatic inflammation can affect the entire musculoskeletal system.Of course, fractures or sprains also lead to this pain. However, pain on movement indicates another disease or injury, but pain is not a disease in its own right. The pain refers to a disease or injury, by means of X-ray examination or computed tomography, a diagnosis can then be made quickly. Movement pain always occurs when the joints are worn out or when there is an injury. If osteoarthritis has been diagnosed and is not treated, the ability to move will be considerably restricted in the course of the disease. Treatment is always based on the diagnosis; in the case of a fracture or sprain, the affected body part must be immobilized.
When should you go to the doctor?
Movement pain almost never occurs at rest, but actually only during movement. In this case, movement pain affects the muscles, a joint, a body part, but also the torso and there especially shoulders and back. Movement pain is very common. They occur temporarily or chronically. In the case of movement-related pain that has only recently occurred, it is initially possible to wait and see whether it will subside on its own. This is especially likely in the case of pain resulting from overuse or from sports. Here, a visit to the doctor is only indicated if there is no improvement after a few days. However, there are also promising treatment methods for chronic movement pain. Occasionally, chronic movement pain can even disappear completely. It is therefore definitely worthwhile to have this form of pain clarified by a doctor instead of resigning oneself to it. In the case of movement pain, it is also important to remember that it may be associated with an underlying disease that requires treatment, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatism or poor circulation. The first point of contact for movement pain is the general practitioner, who, based on his or her history, may refer the patient to other specialists such as orthopedists, rheumatologists, cardiologists, angiologists, or neurologists for further clarification.
Treatment and therapy
Exactly how movement pain is treated in individual cases depends on the cause of the discomfort. For an injury such as a fracture or sprain, the affected joint is immobilized until the pain subsides and the temporary damage heals. If the pain is severe, temporary medication may also be used. Medication can also be used as therapy if a rheumatic disease, muscle tension or osteoarthritis is present. Depending on the cause, antirheumatic drugs or muscle relaxants (drugs to relax the muscles) are prescribed by the attending physician. In addition, physiotherapy can also be helpful in keeping the muscles and joints more mobile. In contrast to an acute injury, however, the complaints cannot be permanently eliminated in this way, but only alleviated. Especially if the movement pain is already chronic, there may already be permanent damage to the musculoskeletal system. The only last resort, especially in the case of joint damage, is a surgical intervention in which the affected joint is replaced by an artificial one. Such an operation takes place especially when the pain and the restriction of movement are already very severe.
Outlook and prognosis
Whether the movement pain disappears on its own or needs to be treated depends very much on its cause and therefore cannot be universally predicted. In most cases, range-of-motion pain occurs when the body has been subjected to too much stress. This may be due to heavy work or vigorous exercise. In these cases, the movement pain subsides on its own and does not lead to further complications. However, the body should be spared, otherwise inflammation or tears in the muscles may occur. Especially in older age, the movement pain is a common symptom. They limit the life of the affected person relatively strongly, so that the patient can depend on the help of caregivers. As a result, the quality of life deteriorates. Movement pain can also make the patient unable to perform his or her job if it involves physical exertion. In many cases, the movement pain can be treated with the help of pain therapy or physiotherapy.A healthy lifestyle and taking up a light sporting activity also have a positive effect on movement pain and can even prevent it. If the pain is severe, bandages can be used to accompany the movements and relieve the body.
Prevention
Movement pain that occurs as a result of osteoarthritis, muscle tension or rheumatic diseases can be prevented to some extent by a healthy lifestyle. This includes, in particular, avoiding excess weight and regular exercise and sports, as this strengthens the muscles and joints. Routine examinations by a doctor – especially at an advanced age – can help to detect the first signs of disease at an early stage and actively prevent them from worsening. It is also advisable to visit the doctor and have the causes clarified if pain on movement occurs more frequently.
What you can do yourself
Movement pain often indicates problems with the muscles. Taking preventive action can forestall such pain. In the diet, attention should be paid to a good magnesium balance, which prevents cramps. Plenty of exercise keeps the muscles flexible and makes them resilient. For this reason, adequate warm-up training should be ensured, especially during sports activities. In addition, the muscles should not be overstrained and should be slowly accustomed to new loads. In the case of acute pain, the corresponding muscle groups should be spared. Sudden movement pain during sport can be a sign of a muscle injury. In this case, training should be stopped immediately to avoid further damage to the affected muscle. The affected area should be cooled and elevated. In the case of chronic pain, regular heat treatment can provide relief. Heat patches or radiant heaters are common aids for chronic movement pain. The choice of sports activities can also have an impact on sore muscles. Sports with rapid movements should be avoided. This includes ball games or martial arts, for example. On the other hand, sports that put an even load on the muscles can be performed. Cycling or swimming is recommended, running on suitable soft ground is also conceivable. Also recommended for the treatment of movement pain are relaxation exercises or massages of the affected areas.
