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COVID-19 can cause muscle pain and inflammation throughout the body, including in the legs. Leg pain is a lesser-known symptom of COVID-19, but it has been reported by many people infected with the virus. The pain can be acute and intense, and it may be seen due to bone and joint pain after the infection. The duration of leg pain symptoms varies depending on the severity of the illness. For those with long COVID, muscle pain may persist for weeks or months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle pain location | Neck, head, and legs |
| Cause of muscle pain | Body-wide inflammation, the virus attacking the muscles, or a lack of oxygen to the muscles |
| Muscle pain duration | Typically resolves within two weeks, but can last for weeks or months in people with long COVID |
| Muscle pain treatment | Pain relievers, stretching, and the RICE method |
| Leg pain treatment for long-term COVID patients | Physical therapy to make a plan to relieve pain and heal muscle damage |
| Leg pain causes for long-term COVID patients | Blood clots, inflammation, peripheral arterial disease, pulmonary embolism, nerve damage, and peripheral neuropathy |
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What You'll Learn
Muscle pain is a common symptom of COVID-19
There are several reasons why COVID-19 may cause muscle aches. One reason is that the virus triggers body-wide inflammation, which can lead to muscle pain. This inflammation is caused by the immune system's response to the virus. When the immune system detects the virus, it releases special proteins called cytokines, which trigger inflammation. Certain cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), can cause inflammation that leads to muscle aches.
Another reason for muscle pain in COVID-19 patients could be a lack of blood flow to the tissues, known as ischemic myalgia. This is a common cause of muscle pain in people with long COVID. Additionally, the virus may directly damage muscle tissue by attaching itself to muscle cells, resulting in muscle pain.
Leg pain is a commonly reported symptom among COVID-19 patients. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including blood clots, inflammation, peripheral arterial disease, pulmonary embolism, or nerve damage. COVID-19 can cause nerve damage throughout the body, leading to peripheral neuropathy, which can result in pain and numbness in the legs. The duration of leg pain can vary depending on the severity of the illness and other individual factors, such as age, overall health status, and immune response.
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The pain is caused by inflammation triggered by the virus
Muscle pain is a common symptom of COVID-19. The pain is caused by inflammation triggered by the virus. When the immune system detects the virus, it releases proteins called cytokines. Certain cytokines trigger inflammation, which can lead to muscle and joint aches. Examples of these cytokines include interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). This inflammation can cause redness, swelling, and pain in the legs and other parts of the body.
COVID-19 patients have been observed to form blood clots, which may also result in leg pain. Blood clots are due to an increased risk of clotting caused by the infection and, in severe cases, may even result in leg amputation. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is brought on by blood clots in the deep veins, typically in the legs.
In addition to blood clots and inflammation, peripheral arterial disease, pulmonary embolism, or nerve damage may also cause leg pain in COVID-19 patients. The virus can produce nerve damage throughout the body, which could result in peripheral neuropathy, causing pain and numbness in the legs.
The duration of leg pain symptoms varies depending on the severity of the illness. For example, in mild cases, leg pain might last for a much shorter time compared to severe cases. Some people experience leg soreness and swelling for a few days to a few weeks, while others will have it longer.
For those experiencing muscle pain after a COVID-19 infection, physical therapy can help relieve pain and heal muscle damage. Physical activity is an important way to lessen muscle pain, especially for people with long COVID. Self-care strategies such as pain relievers, stretching, and the RICE method can also help treat COVID-related muscle pain at home.
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COVID-19 can also cause a decrease in muscle strength
Muscle pain and aches are a common symptom of COVID-19. This pain can be caused by inflammation triggered by the body's immune response to the virus. In addition, COVID-19 can also cause a decrease in muscle strength.
Leg pain is one of the reported symptoms among COVID-19 patients, and it can be accompanied by swollen legs. The duration of this symptom varies depending on the severity of the illness. For example, in mild cases, leg pain might last for a shorter period compared to severe cases. The pain and swelling may be due to several factors, including blood clots, inflammation, peripheral arterial disease, pulmonary embolism, or nerve damage.
COVID-19 patients have been observed to form blood clots, which can lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs. This condition can cause chronic muscle pain and swelling. Additionally, COVID-19 can result in nerve damage throughout the body, leading to peripheral neuropathy, which causes pain and numbness in the legs.
Long COVID is a term used to describe new, returning, or ongoing health problems that persist four or more weeks after the initial infection. Muscle pain is one of the common symptoms associated with long COVID, and it can last for weeks or even months. This prolonged muscle pain may be due to ischemic myalgia, which refers to muscle pain caused by a lack of blood flow to the tissues.
Hospitalization or extended bed rest can also lead to muscular atrophy, particularly in the legs. This condition impairs the ability to walk, maintain good posture, and breathe deeply. Physical activity is crucial in managing muscle pain, especially for individuals with long COVID.
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Blood clots and inflammation can cause leg pain and swelling
Leg pain and swelling can be caused by blood clots and inflammation. Blood clots in the legs, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can cause leg pain and swelling. This condition can be serious, as the clots may break loose, travel through the bloodstream, and get stuck in the lungs, resulting in a pulmonary embolism (PE), which can be fatal. Symptoms of DVT include leg pain, warmth, tenderness, and swelling in the affected area. It is important to seek medical attention promptly if these symptoms are present.
Inflammation is another possible cause of leg pain and swelling. In the context of COVID-19, muscle aches and pain, also known as myalgia, can be caused by body-wide inflammation triggered by the virus. This inflammation is a result of the immune system's response to the virus, which involves the release of cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The virus may also directly damage muscle tissue by attaching itself to muscle cells, leading to muscle pain.
In addition to blood clots and inflammation, there are other potential causes of leg pain and swelling. These include fluid buildup, injuries, and certain health conditions or medications. For example, gout, knee bursitis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis can lead to inflammation and swelling in the legs. Cellulitis, an infection caused by bacteria entering through a crack in the skin, can also result in leg swelling and pain.
It is important to note that muscle pain is a common symptom of COVID-19 and can affect the legs, neck, and head. This pain typically resolves within about two weeks, but it may persist for longer in individuals with long COVID. If muscle pain is experienced after recovering from COVID-19, consulting a physical therapist can be helpful in managing the pain and healing muscle damage.
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Muscle pain may be treated at home or with a physical therapist
Muscle pain is a common symptom of COVID-19, typically resolving within one to two weeks. However, individuals with long COVID may experience muscle pain for extended periods. This pain is caused by inflammation triggered by the body's immune response to the virus, resulting in cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inducing inflammation and subsequent muscle pain.
If you are experiencing muscle pain due to COVID-19 or other causes, there are various treatment options available, including at-home remedies and physical therapy.
At-home treatments
For temporary muscle pain caused by factors such as exercise, strain, or minor injuries, at-home treatments are often effective. Rest is crucial, allowing your body to recover and repair. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like aspirin and ibuprofen, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Topical treatments containing ingredients like menthol, capsaicin, or lidocaine can numb the area and reduce soreness.
Additionally, staying properly hydrated by drinking the recommended 6-8 glasses of water per day is essential, especially if you are sweating more due to hot weather or exercise.
Physical therapy
If your muscle pain persists or is severe, consider consulting a physical therapist. They can create a personalized treatment plan to help relieve pain and heal muscle damage. Physical therapy often involves specific exercises and stretches to improve your strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Gentle stretching, under the guidance of a therapist, can improve your range of motion without exacerbating pain.
Massage therapy is another tool used by physical therapists to relieve tension and restore blood flow to sore muscles. While massage on injured or sore areas may not feel relaxing, therapists ensure it is safe and beneficial. They may also recommend hydrotherapy, which involves exercising in water to regain strength safely.
Other physical therapy techniques include:
- Heat and ice therapy: Ice reduces inflammation and provides a numbing effect, while heat therapy helps relax muscles and improve blood flow.
- TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation): This technique uses low-voltage electrical pulses to ease pain.
- Ultrasound: Ultrasound can be used to treat injuries to muscles and soft tissues.
- Dry needling: Similar to acupuncture, dry needling can relieve pain.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Covid-19 has been known to cause muscle pain and inflammation in the legs. This pain can be intense and sharp and may be due to blood clots, inflammation, or a lack of oxygen to the muscles.
Leg pain is a lesser-known symptom of Covid-19 and is usually accompanied by fever and other common Covid-19 symptoms. However, according to some estimates, about 86% of people diagnosed with Covid experience muscle pain.
The duration of leg pain varies depending on the severity of the illness. For mild cases, leg pain may last for a shorter time, while for severe cases, it may persist for longer. In general, muscle pain from Covid-19 can last for about two weeks, but for those with long Covid, it may last for weeks or months.
There are several ways to relieve Covid-related leg pain, including gentle leg massages, light stretching exercises, and soaking your feet in Epsom salt water. For more severe pain, you can take prescribed medications, and if the pain persists, consider seeing a physical therapist.
