Muscle tissue discomfort is called myalgia. Muscle mass strains or overuse, infections, and vitamin deficiencies are severe (short-term) causes of myalgia. Chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and anxiety can result in muscle pain and soreness. Myalgia treatment varies depending on the underlying condition and may include medication, self-care, and physical therapy.
Read on to know more about myalgia, what causes it and how its symptoms are treated.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MYALGIA?
The main sign of myalgia is muscle pain. You may also feel :
- Deep muscle discomfort in the affected area or widespread pain
- Sharp or dull aching pain
- Extreme discomfort
- Pain while moving or at rest
Muscle tissue can also be tender and inflamed. Other signs and symptoms include :
- Infection-related fever and chills
- Joint pain caused by muscular tissue pain
- Fatigue
- Having clinical depression due to persistent discomfort
WHAT CAUSES MYALGIA?
Myalgia can have many causes. Usually, severe myalgia develops immediately after exercise, exertion, or illness. Various long-term problems may result in persistent myalgia.
Intense myalgia :– Acute myalgia is short-lived and easily treated. Exercise or muscular tissue effort is one of the most common reasons. Intense myalgia can also be the main symptom of a variety of conditions, including :
Injury or overuse :– This particular type of muscle pain is localized, affecting only a few specific muscles in a limited area of the body.
Flu :– Muscle tissue pain is a common symptom of many infections such as the flu.
Lyme disease :– Early symptoms of this tick-borne condition include flu-like signs such as muscle aches.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies :– Various vitamin and mineral deficiencies cause muscular tissue discomforts such as vitamin D and potassium deficiencies.
Myalgia can also be an adverse effect of some medications. These cases are intense when discovered early, but they are easily controlled by switching to a different medicine. For instance, statins (cholesterol medicine) are known to cause muscle discomfort.
Myopathies, or illnesses that affect the muscles, are caused by glucocorticoids, immunologic medications, and antimicrobials. Sudden stoppage of these medications can cause myalgia. The exact same remains true of opioids, benzodiazepines, excessive doses of caffeine, and alcohol.
Persistent Myalgia :– The main symptom of muscular tissue and bone problems is persistent myalgia, in addition to autoimmune conditions.
Some examples include :
Fibromyalgia :– This condition is characterized by persistent throbbing, shooting, and/or stabbing muscle discomfort.
Several sclerosis :– The most common several sclerosis signs and symptoms include muscle tissue pain, rigidity, and spontaneous muscle spasms.
Rheumatoid joint inflammation :– The same procedures that cause swelling in the joints can also cause swelling and muscle pain.
Depression :– Physical signs and symptoms of clinical depression include pains and inexplicable muscular tissue pains.
The development of persistent myalgia may also result from a variety of conditions or triggers, such as injury. People with chronic myalgia problems often have extensive, persistent, or recurrent muscle discomfort.
HOW TO DIAGNOSE MYALGIA?
Myalgia itself is a symptom. The goal of the diagnosis process is to identify a hidden issue that may have caused the start of your muscular discomfort.
Diagnosis involves checking medical history, previous injuries, or diseases you have or had. The current medication you are taking.
Checkup evaluates the degree of pain, muscle tone, toughness, and rigidity.
Blood tests may reveal changes that are consistent with swelling, muscle injury, or other underlying issues.
X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are two types of imaging that can be used to identify and check some causes of myalgia.
HOW IS MYALGIA TREATED?
Treatment depends on the cause and whether you have acute or chronic pain. At-home treatment usually provides relief for muscle discomfort but physical therapy or medication may be prescribed for discomfort that is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms.
Natural home remedies are helpful in managing severe myalgia. You can do the following things to get rid of severe muscular pain :
- Using OTC (over-the-counter) painkillers like Advil (ibuprofen)
- Ice and warm therapy for swelling and pain
- Gently stretching the muscles
- Avoiding high-impact activity
- Doing stress relief exercises such as yoga and meditation