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The coronavirus (COVID-19) can cause muscle aches and pains, medically known as myalgia. Body aches are a common symptom of COVID-19 and long COVID, with the type of pain varying from person to person. The pain can range from mild to severe, and can last from a few days to several months, or even years. While the exact cause of body aches related to COVID-19 is currently unknown, researchers believe that muscle aches and joint pain are side effects of the body's immune response to the virus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle aches and pains | Known in the medical field as myalgia |
| Cause | The coronavirus enters the cells through ACE2 receptors, causing direct damage. Once the coronavirus enters these cells, your immune system reacts and produces proinflammatory cytokines that cause tissue inflammation and pain. |
| Severity | The type and degree of muscle pain vary greatly from person to person. It can range from mild to severe. |
| Treatment | Over-the-counter pain medications, hot and cold therapy, drinking plenty of fluids, rest, acupuncture, massage, physical therapy, and prescription-strength drugs. |
| Long COVID | Muscle pain and body aches can last for months or even years in cases of long COVID. |
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What You'll Learn
Muscle pain is a common symptom of COVID-19
COVID-19 can cause muscle pain due to the virus's direct damage to the body. The coronavirus enters the body's cells through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, which are located in various muscle cells and the spinal cord. Once inside these cells, the immune system reacts by sending macrophages to locate and destroy the virus. However, these macrophages also produce proinflammatory cytokines, which cause tissue inflammation and pain. This inflammation can persist even after the virus is no longer present, resulting in long-term nerve, muscle, or joint pain.
The severity and duration of muscle pain associated with COVID-19 can vary widely. For most people, muscle aches from an acute COVID-19 infection resolve within a few days to weeks. However, in cases of long COVID, muscle pain can last for months or even years. People with long COVID often experience ongoing muscle weakness, stiffness, and pain, which can make simple activities difficult.
There are several ways to manage muscle pain caused by COVID-19. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or meloxicam, can help reduce inflammation and pain. Low-impact exercises like yoga, tai chi, or swimming can improve flexibility and reduce stiffness. It is important to pace oneself and avoid overexertion, as this can worsen symptoms. Getting enough sleep and staying hydrated are also crucial for managing muscle pain.
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The type and degree of muscle pain vary from person to person
Muscle pain is a common symptom of COVID-19 and long COVID, with the type and degree of pain varying from person to person. Some people may experience mild muscle tenderness, while others may be bedridden due to the severity of their pain. The pain can be flu-like, ranging from tight muscles to radiating pain throughout the body. It is most commonly experienced in the head, neck, and limbs, but it can occur anywhere.
There are several possible explanations for the muscle pain caused by COVID-19. One theory suggests that the coronavirus enters and damages cells in the muscles and spinal cord through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors. This damage triggers an immune response, resulting in inflammation that can cause body aches. Another factor may be an imbalance of electrolytes like potassium and sodium, which are important for muscle health, caused by the virus's effects on the kidneys. Additionally, lying in bed and not moving during illness can lead to muscle breakdown and weakness, contributing to pain.
The pain associated with long COVID can be frustrating and impact one's quality of life. It can make simple activities, such as walking, standing for long periods, or holding objects, more difficult. In some cases, physical activity can lead to extreme exhaustion and worsened pain, known as post-exertional malaise (PEM).
Managing long COVID muscle pain requires a multifaceted approach. Low-impact exercises like yoga, tai chi, or swimming can improve flexibility and reduce stiffness. It is important to avoid overexertion, as pushing too hard can worsen symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, naproxen or meloxicam, can help reduce inflammation and pain. Additionally, anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, turmeric, and leafy greens can be beneficial. Staying hydrated and getting adequate sleep are also important for muscle recovery and reducing pain.
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Muscle pain can be a side effect of certain medications
Muscle pain is a common symptom of COVID-19 and long COVID. The type and degree of muscle pain can vary greatly from person to person. While the exact cause of muscle pain from viral illnesses is not fully understood, it may be due to the physical stress the illness puts on the body, electrolyte imbalances caused by the virus's effects on the kidneys, or muscle breakdown from inactivity during recovery.
Medications can also cause muscle pain as a side effect. For example, statins, a group of cholesterol-lowering medications, are commonly associated with muscle pain and, rarely, a serious muscle condition called rhabdomyolysis. Fibrates, such as gemfibrozil (Lopid) and fenofibrate (Tricor), which are used to treat high cholesterol, can also cause muscle-related problems that may lead to rhabdomyolysis, especially when combined with statins. Oral steroids like prednisone, fluoroquinolone antibiotics like levofloxacin, and aromatase inhibitors like anastrozole (Arimidex) are other examples of medications that can cause muscle pain and weakness. Bisphosphonates, used to treat osteoporosis, can cause muscle and bone pain when starting treatment or several months later.
It's important to note that muscle pain caused by medications may resolve on its own or by lowering the dosage, but it's always advisable to speak to a healthcare provider before making any changes. They may recommend applying hot or cold compresses or suggest over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve). However, long-term use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen can affect the gastrointestinal tract, especially in older adults. In such cases, nondrug therapies like an anti-inflammatory diet and regular exercise may be recommended.
Additionally, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Proxoxtine) can cause headaches by activating the same brain receptors. Short-acting opioids, such as oxycodone, can lead to withdrawal symptoms like pain and anxiety when stopped, so a switch to a long-acting opioid like buprenorphine may be necessary to taper off safely.
While muscle pain can be a side effect of certain medications, it's important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and explore appropriate treatment options.
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Muscle weakness is another symptom of COVID-19
COVID-19 can cause muscle and joint aches and pains, which can be a side effect of the body's immune response to the virus. The coronavirus enters the cells through ACE2 receptors, causing direct damage. The immune system then reacts, producing inflammatory cytokines that cause tissue inflammation and pain in the form of body aches. This inflammation can persist for several weeks or months, even after the infection has cleared.
The exact cause of body aches related to COVID-19 is currently unknown, but researchers believe that muscle aches and joint pain are side effects of the body's immune response to the virus. As the body fights the viral infection, it produces inflammatory cytokines, causing body pain. In addition, the virus may cause long-term damage to nerve, muscle, or joint tissue.
People with long COVID often report ongoing muscle weakness, stiffness, and pain, which can make simple activities difficult. Muscle pain and body aches can last for months or even years in cases of long COVID. To relieve muscle aches and pains associated with COVID-19, over-the-counter pain medications, hot and cold therapy, and anti-inflammatory foods can be used.
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Long COVID can cause ongoing muscle pain
Muscle pain is a common symptom of COVID-19, and it can also be a long-term effect of the virus, known as Long COVID. Long COVID is a wide spectrum of lasting symptoms that people experience after three to four weeks of their initial infection, even if they have technically recovered and are testing negative. One of the most common symptoms of Long COVID is muscle pain, which occurs in 40% of patients. The type and degree of muscle pain vary greatly from person to person. Some people experience tenderness, while others are bedridden due to the pain.
The causes of muscle pain in Long COVID patients are not yet fully understood. One theory is that the virus causes tissue damage and extensive inflammation, which can persist for several weeks or months after the initial infection. This inflammation can occur in multiple systems, including muscle tissues, resulting in lingering discomfort. Another theory is that the virus causes blood cells to clump and form clots, impairing blood circulation to the muscles. Extended activation of the immune system is another potential cause, where the immune activation doesn't stop, leading to various autoimmune disorders.
There are several treatment options available for Long COVID muscle pain. Drugstore pain-relieving medications or prescription-strength drugs, such as naproxen or meloxicam, can help manage the pain. Additionally, acupuncture, massage, and physical therapy can be effective in relieving muscle pain and improving movement and flexibility. Strength training and gentle stretching exercises, such as yoga and pilates, can also help to build muscle tissues and improve range of motion. Nutraceutical therapy, gut microbiome-targeted therapy, and interventional therapy are other rehabilitation interventions that may be beneficial.
It is important to note that recovery from Long COVID muscle pain is not always linear, and ups and downs are part of the process. Working with a healthcare team to develop a comprehensive treatment plan is crucial, as treatments and knowledge about Long COVID are still evolving.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, muscle aches and pains, known as myalgia, are a common symptom of COVID-19.
There are a few theories as to why COVID-19 causes muscle aches. One theory is that the coronavirus causes tissue damage and inflammation when it enters the body's cells through ACE2 receptors. Another theory is that inflammatory cytokines produced by the body's immune response to the virus cause inflammation and pain.
There are a few ways to relieve muscle aches caused by COVID-19. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can help reduce inflammation and pain. Hot and cold therapy, such as hot baths or showers and ice packs, can also help relax sore muscles and reduce inflammation. Staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and including supplements such as fish oil, turmeric, magnesium, and glucosamine in your diet may also help relieve muscle aches.
Muscle aches associated with COVID-19 usually resolve within a few days to weeks. However, in cases of long COVID, muscle aches can last for months or even years.
If you think you have COVID-19, you should get tested and seek medical attention. In the meantime, rest, stay hydrated, and practice social distancing to avoid infecting others.
