Telling muscle pain from joint pain helps you choose the right care.

Joint pain

It affects the joints and the structures around them, such as cartilage and tendons. Its most common cause is arthritis.

Muscle pain

It is felt in the muscle itself and is usually caused by overexertion or an injury. When it appears all over the body along with fever or general malaise, it may be a sign of a viral infection such as the flu, not physical strain. Some medications, such as statins or certain antibiotics, can also cause muscle or joint pain.

What to do at home

  • Rest the affected area
  • Apply heat or ice, depending on the case
  • Gentle massage
  • An over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ARTRIFIN, formulated with acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine for muscle pain, back pain and arthritis-type discomfort

When to see a doctor

  • The pain does not improve after 72 hours of home care
  • It gets worse with activity or limits your normal movement
  • The skin around the joint looks swollen and warm, or you have a fever