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MoreMyalgia is a word that comes from the Greek prefix myo- meaning muscle and the suffix -algia, which refers to pain. Thus, myalgia translates to muscular pain. The name was given in 1827, and the first documented case of myalgia was made between 1855-1860. Although when someone usually hears the word myalgia they think of muscle pain, it can also be accompanied by muscle cramps. The severity of myalgia ranges from a mild, dull ache to a sharp, stabbing, or throbbing pain. Keep reading to learn more about myalgia.
What Is Myalgia?
Myalgia is a medical term for muscle pain. It can originate from any muscle in the body and can affect more than one muscle at a time. Since it’s a common symptom, muscle pain is associated with several disorders. It can be described as a dull ache to excruciating pain.
What Causes Myalgia?
Myalgia is often caused by overuse, strain, or injury to the muscle. However, numerous health ailments can lead to myalgia including the following:
Infections
this includes the soft tissue or joints surrounding the muscle
Medical Conditions
certain illnesses can cause muscle aches and discomfort
Metabolic Disorders
Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, and Hypokalemia are all metabolic disorders
Dermatomyositis
a rare inflammatory disorder
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
a complicated disorder that causes extreme fatigue that is chronic
Dystonia
muscle disorder that causes muscles to contract repetitively causing jerky, involuntary movements Rheumatoid Arthritis: an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the tissues and organs
Lyme Disease
a disease caused by certain bacteria
Claudication
muscle pain that occurs due to very little blood supply to certain parts of the body during exercise
When Should You Visit A Doctor?
If you are noticing muscle aches and pains that won’t go away after a week or more, it’s a good idea to seek the advice of a medical professional. As stated, there are many different causes of myalgia. It could be from something as simple as exercising, but you also can’t rule out something else like an infection until you speak with your doctor.
What Are The Symptoms of Myalgia?
Although this isn’t a complete list of symptoms of myalgia, the most common include the following:
Muscle pain
Swelling
Joint pain
Tiredness and fatigue with decreased desire to do daily activities
Tenderness when pressing on the affected muscle
Fever with chills if it’s associated with an infection
Tenderness in the muscles
Redness of the affected area
If you experience any of these symptoms of myalgia, visit your doctor.
What Are Some Treatment Options?
Your medical provider will suggest taking it easy until the pain subsides. Some at-home treatments that can help include the following:
Rest
OTC Pain Medications
Ice and heat
Restrain from exercising
Yoga, meditation, or massage
Gentle stretching
Elevate the painful area
If none of these seem to help and you continue to have muscle pain that lasts more than a week, seek medical attention. Your doctor will then discuss with you other treatment options such as physical therapy or prescription drugs.
Who’s More Susceptible To Myalgia?
Muscle pain is common, which means almost everybody has experienced discomfort in their muscles or joints at some point in their lives. The older you get, the more common it is. If you play sports or exercise daily, you can also experience myalgia more regularly than others. Some medications can lead to joint or muscle pain as a side effect.
Can Myalgia Be Prevented?
If you’re not on any medications and you have good health, it’s easier to avoid myalgia. Stretching before exercising or playing sports will help prevent muscle discomfort. However, even taking it easy does not guarantee you will be free from muscle aches or discomfort. If you do experience pain, there are plenty of ways to help alleviate it.
What Are The Different Types Of Myalgia?
There are five main types of myalgia.
Epidemic Myalgia
Also known as Bornholm disease, this is a temporary illness resulting from virus infection.
Fibromyalgia
A disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by sleep, fatigue, mood, and memory issues.
Trapezius Myalgia
Pain, tightness, and stiffness of the upper trapezius muscle, which is located on the back near the shoulder blades and neck.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
An inflammatory disorder that causes muscle pain and stiffness, especially in the shoulders.
Can Myalgia Cause Long-Term Effects?
Mild muscle aches and pains usually go away on their own or after at-home remedies. Therefore, most people don’t have adverse effects from myalgia. It can be more serious if medication or illness causes myalgia. In rare cases, the pain can linger and may cause permanent damage to the muscles or tendons.
How Does Myalgia Affect Everyday Life?
Muscle aches can be uncomfortable, but if the pain is severe, myalgia may debilitate or slow down your activity. If the pain isn’t relieved within a few days, you might have to make a doctor’s appointment to seek the underlying cause of the pain. You should be back to exercising or just completing your everyday tasks with ease within no time.
