Dealing with myalgia

Fact Checked

Myalgia is muscle pain and is a symptom of many disorders and diseases. Generally, it can be due to overuse or overstretching of a muscles or groups of muscles. Myalgia can also caused by viral infections.

Muscles can be found in every areas of the body. Skeletal muscles that support the bones and the surrounding areas are usually affected muscles of myalgia.

Causes of myalgia

• Overuse of the muscles such as performing activities that requires repeated using of hands, legs and forceful movements.
• Injuries to the neck, hands, back. Limbs and other areas of the body.
• Influenza and viral fever
• Malaria and dengue fever
• Bacterial infections such as tuberculosis
• Stress or tension build up in the muscles
• Joint and muscle condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis, osteoarthritis and other forms of arthritis.

  

• Autoimmune disorders such as polymyalgia rheumatic, connective tissue disorders, lupus or multiple sclerosis.
• Medical conditions such as fibromyalgia, thyroid disorders, low muscle tone and peripheral neuropathy
• Medication to lower cholesterol level, blood pressure control and other treatment can cause myalgia.

Symptoms

• At first, pain and soreness in the muscles
• Pain and difficulties with movements
• Swelling, redness and bruising in and around the affected area.
• Weakness of the muscles especially in the muscles of the arms and hands
• Pain when lifting, raising overhead objects and performing certain activities
• In addition, stiffness of the muscles and joints
• Muscle spasms
• Muscle twitching or contractions around the painful and weak muscles
• Lastly, numbness, tingling or burning sensation and pain in the limbs

Treatment

• Take the prescribed anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxant to relax the muscles and lessen the pain.
• Take plenty rest for fast healing of the condition. Avoid performing activities that cause muscle pain, avoid lifting weights and repetitive and high-intensity workouts.
• Apply cold or warm compress on the area. Apply an ice pack on the area. Another alternative is taking a warm bath in the morning and evening to lessen the stiffness and the pain in the area.
• In a bathtub filled with warm water, add a cup of Epsom salts and some essential oils such as eucalyptus and lavender and soak the body especially the affected area to relieve of myalgia.
• Wrap the affected area using compression bandage such as ACE elastic bandage to lessen the swelling and the pain. Avoid wrapping it too tight to prevent problems with blood circulation. If the area under the wrap turns blue or violet, loosen the wrap to prevent worsening of the condition.
• Elevate the affected area above the level of the heart to lessen the swelling and for fast healing of the condition.

FACT CHECK

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myalgia

https://www.healthline.com/health/muscle-aches

https://www.medicinenet.com/muscle_pain_myalgia/symptoms.htm