Pain after a minor bone, muscle, or joint injury

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Pain after a minor bone, muscle, or joint injury

Rate your pain on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 indicating very little pain and 10 being the worst pain you have ever experienced. Then look below to find the appropriate term to apply to the level of severity of your pain.

• 1 to 5 = Mild pain
• 6 to 7 = Moderate pain
• 8 to 9 = Severe pain
• 10 = Worst pain possible

Pain from minor injuries is usually mild to moderate. The pain may gradually worsen over time because of swelling and muscle spasms. "Spasm" pain can begin minutes to hours after an injury and is usually gone within 48 hours, but can come and go.

Pain may occur:

• With an overuse injury, such as tendinitis, bursitis, or muscle strain. Pain comes on gradually after repeating the same activity over and over.
• After a sudden (acute) injury, such as a fracture, dislocation, or severe sprain. Pain is sudden and often severe. Bruising and swelling may develop within 30 minutes of the injury.
• With a ruptured muscle or tendon.
• With an infection at or near the injured area.

Mild soreness may be common when you have done too much activity. The soreness often goes away when you try home treatment, such as taking a break from the activity that caused your symptoms.

Credits

Last updated:	July 28, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer