What may indicate an injury to muscles, bones, or joints?

The presence of pain and swelling is a strong indicator of an injury to muscles, bones, or joints. When an injury occurs, the body responds with inflammation, which often manifests as swelling in the affected area. Pain is a common symptom that signals that something is wrong, as it is the body's way of alerting a person to potential harm or injury. This combination of pain and swelling typically suggests that there is internal damage, whether it be a strain, sprain, fracture, or other musculoskeletal injury.

In contrast, nausea, headaches, and fatigue are symptoms that could be associated with various conditions and are not specifically indicative of musculoskeletal injuries. While they may occur due to other medical issues, they do not provide the same direct link to injuries involving muscles, bones, or joints as pain and swelling do.