We all have aches and pains from things we do during the day that end up resolving within 48 hours. Sharp pain that ends up limiting motion or aches and pains that don’t resolve after a day or two are considered out of the ordinary. Examples of musculoskeletal injuries that would cause aches or pains out of the ordinary include:
Sprain
Injury to a ligament, the tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones to other bones. Twisting your ankle can cause a sprain which can be mild or severe.
Strain
Injury to either a muscle or tendon, the tissue that connects muscles to bones. Lifting something heavy can strain a back muscle or repetitive reaching overhead can strain a shoulder muscle.
Tear
An actual tear in the muscle or tendon. A tear can occur from a sudden force applied to the muscle such as catching a heavy load that is falling or from prolonged repetitive use.
Inflammation
Swelling around joints or bursa which are fluid filled sacs that protect your muscles and joints. Inflammation can occur from awkward positions, repetitive use, and heavy loads.