Each person responds differently in the event of an injury, whether it’s caused by a single accident or overuse from repetitive motions. What one person considers an 8/10 level of pain, another person would rate as a 4/10. Some muscle injuries heal themselves after RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) and proper stretching but sometimes the pain doesn’t go away, and that’s when you should to consider getting a medical assessment. So at what point do you need to get help for your pain?

If your muscle pain includes symptoms like dizziness, trouble breathing, extreme muscle weakness, and/or a high fever, seek immediate medical attention. If your pain includes signs of infection like redness and swelling, a noticeable change in muscle pain after taking certain medications, and/or a rash, make an appointment with your doctor.

In the case of persistent muscle pain that’s not an emergency, it can be hard to tell when to see a doctor. There are a few questions you can ask yourself to help with the answer. Does your pain prevent you from doing daily activities, like playing with your kids, going to work, doing household chores, or exercising? Does your pain persist day after day without reducing in severity? Has your pain lasted longer than a few days or a few weeks? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it may be time to seek professional treatment.

It’s a personal decision and sometimes a tough call to make, but your health should be a top priority. If there’s any doubt that your injury is healing, if the pain is becoming unmanageable, or if your pain is hindering your life’s activities, book an appointment online or call one of our highly trained and experienced doctors for a consultation.

You shouldn’t have to live with pain. We can help.