Muscle swelling, what's the cause and what should be done?
Under normal circumstances, muscle swelling may be caused by improper diet, excessive physical activity, trauma, calcium deficiency, myofascial inflammation, and other factors. Patients are advised to seek regular medical treatment, including general therapy, medication, and physical therapy. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Improper Diet: Consuming excessive protein or taking too many nutritional supplements, such as protein powder, may lead to excessive muscle growth and muscle swelling. It is recommended to adjust the diet by reducing the intake of protein and high-nutrient foods, and to perform moderate aerobic exercise to expend excess energy.
2. Excessive Physical Activity: Prolonged or high-intensity exercise may cause muscle fiber damage and muscle swelling. It is recommended to rest promptly and avoid overexertion. Local cold compresses may be applied as directed by a physician to reduce swelling and pain.
3. Trauma: Impact or compression injuries to the muscle may cause muscle fiber rupture and swelling, possibly accompanied by bruising and functional impairment. Immediate cold compresses are recommended to reduce bleeding and swelling. If necessary, a bandage or cast may be used to immobilize the injured area under a doctor's guidance to promote healing.
4. Calcium Deficiency: Insufficient vitamin D or inadequate calcium intake may decrease calcium levels in the body, increasing neuromuscular excitability and causing muscle twitching and swelling. This condition can be improved through dietary adjustments, such as consuming more calcium-rich foods like milk and eggs, or by taking calcium supplements orally as prescribed, such as calcium gluconate oral solution, calcium carbonate granules, or calcium lactate tablets.
5. Myofascial Inflammation: An aseptic inflammatory response in the muscles and fascia, possibly triggered by overexertion, strain, cold exposure, or other factors. Symptoms include muscle swelling and pain, potentially accompanied by stiffness and numbness. Patients may undergo physical therapy under the guidance of a qualified physician, such as acupuncture, moxibustion, or infrared lamp therapy.
In daily life, maintaining healthy lifestyle and dietary habits can help prevent muscle swelling.