What is Myalgia (Muscle Rheumatism)? What are the Symptoms?

What is Myalgia (Muscle Rheumatism)? What are the Symptoms?

Myalgia , also known as muscular rheumatism, is muscle pain that occurs in the ligaments, tendons and fascia that connect muscles, bones and organs. Causes often include injuries, trauma, certain medications, muscle strain or overuse of muscles, but it can also be one of the symptoms and signs of many diseases. Treatment is usually performed by specialized physicians depending on the underlying cause of the disease.

Most of the time, muscle pain can go away on its own within a few days. However, if it persists for a long time, it can cause physical and psychological problems in the lives of individuals. Before treatment, the underlying cause of the disease should be determined and treatment should be applied depending on that cause. In some cases, the underlying cause may not be determined and efforts are usually made to reduce symptoms and complaints.

What are the Symptoms of Myalgia?

Myalgia symptoms may vary from person to person and depending on the condition of the disease. They can often be confused with symptoms of different diseases. The most common symptoms of muscle rheumatism can be listed as follows:

  • Long-term chronic muscle pain
  • Movement limitations in muscles
  • Contractions and cramps
  • Persistent pain and muscle fatigue despite rest
  • Muscle stiffness and tenderness of some muscle groups

Why does myalgia occur?

Muscle rheumatism can also be seen as a symptom and sign of a disease. In some cases, physical activities also cause these pains and discomfort. Common causes of myalgia may include overuse of muscles, injuries or strains. In addition, this condition, also known as muscle rheumatism, can also be caused by certain diseases or medication use.
Muscle pain can develop especially in people who engage in physical activities such as heavy sports or intense exercise. Long-lasting pain can be caused by conditions such as malnutrition, chronic fatigue and metabolic myopathy.
Working and straining a muscle too hard without warming it up can cause muscle soreness and in some cases muscle tears. Suddenly lifting high weights can also cause this condition. The most common cause of muscle rheumatism caused by injuries is sprains and strains.
Conditions associated with rhabdomyolysis leading to muscle rheumatism are viruses, compression injury causing crush syndrome, the use of ACE inhibitors and certain medications, mostly fibrates and statins, and in some patients ACE inhibitors, and excessive potassium deficiency.
The diseases that cause this condition can be listed as follows:

  • Familial Mediterranean fever
  • Dermatomyositis
  • Polymyalgia rheumatica and Polymyositis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Influenza and similar diseases
  • Covid-19
  • Lupus
  • Lyme disease
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

How does myalgia go away?

Muscle pain usually goes away on its own within a few days. However, it may vary depending on how it occurs and the underlying causes of this condition. If muscle pain persists for a long time and does not go away despite adequate rest, professional support should be sought. Specialized doctors try to determine the underlying cause of this condition.
After the diagnosis of the disease, treatment methods deemed necessary and appropriate by the doctor are applied. Since it can also occur due to any disease, the pain is usually relieved with treatments for symptoms and signs.
Resting the person during muscle pain and applying hot or cold applications to the aching area during this time helps to reduce the pain. However, in serious cases such as posture disorders, home treatment is not possible. The person should be checked and examined by specialized doctors. Physical therapy applications can be applied to the person when the doctor deems necessary.

How is Myalgia Treated?

Myalgia treatment is usually done depending on the underlying cause of the discomfort. However, if it cannot be determined exactly what causes this condition, it can be treated symptomatically.
Symptomatic treatment is medical methods aimed at eliminating the signs and symptoms caused by the condition. The treatment process is planned by specialized doctors.
Common treatments may include rest, heat therapy, painkillers, muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory drugs. These methods and medications are only recommended and prescribed by a doctor. How and how often to use the medicines should be done according to the instructions recommended by the doctor.

How can I prevent myalgia?

There are some measures that can be taken to prevent muscle pain, muscle rheumatism and myalgia . The most important step among these measures is to adopt a healthy lifestyle. For this, measures such as exercising regularly, eating a healthy and balanced diet, sleep patterns and avoiding emotional states such as stress can be taken.
For people who are involved in heavy sports and physical activities, warming up their muscles before sports helps to take precautions against possible injuries or muscle tears. In addition, avoiding different harmful substances and habits such as smoking, alcohol and substance abuse are among the measures that can be taken. The measures to be taken by individuals prevent injuries and possible diseases such as muscle rheumatism.

How Do I Know If I Have Myalgia?

Individuals should observe the signs and symptoms in the body to understand whether they have muscle rheumatism and myalgia . These symptoms, usually in the form of pain and stiffness, can occur in any part of the body and muscle group.
People who experience pain or any discomfort during movements should see a doctor immediately if this condition persists for a long time.
The doctor will perform a physical examination of the person, learn the symptoms and the patient's medical history in detail. While the disease can be detected as a result of the examination, in some cases the doctor may use different imaging techniques.

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CreatorNP Istanbul Hospital Editorial Board
Updated At05 March 2024
Created At06 January 2023
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