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Long Covid is associated with several persistent symptoms, including joint and muscle pain. This pain can last for weeks, months, or even years after the initial infection. Covid-19 causes inflammation, which, coupled with muscle pain, can manifest as back pain, neck pain, and pain in the shoulders, hips, and knees. This pain can be managed through medication, stretching, and the RICE method. However, if the pain persists, it is recommended to seek medical advice, as Covid-19 may worsen existing joint issues or lead to autoimmune diseases.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle and joint pain during and after COVID-19 | Back, shoulders, legs, neck, head, wrists, ankles, knees, hips |
| Muscle pain medical term | Ischemic myalgia or myalgia |
| Joint pain medical term | Arthralgia |
| Muscle pain causes | Lack of blood flow to the tissues, inflammation, virus attacking muscles, lack of oxygen to the muscles, inactivity during COVID |
| Muscle pain treatments | Over-the-counter pain medication, RICE method, rest, ice, compression, elevation, heat, gentle stretches, gentle exercise, massage therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care |
| Joint pain causes | Systemic inflammation within the body, immune response to the virus |
| Joint pain treatments | Heat, ice, over-the-counter medicines, acetaminophen, ibuprofen |
| Long COVID symptoms | Fatigue, concentration issues, anxiety, chest pain, muscle and joint pain |
| Long COVID muscle and joint pain treatments | Physical therapy, exercise, maintaining physical fitness and nutrition intake |
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What You'll Learn
Muscle pain from a lack of blood flow to the tissues
Long Covid can cause joint and muscle pain. Muscle pain is one of the most common symptoms of long Covid and can last for weeks, months, or even years after the initial infection. This is known as ischemic myalgia, which is the medical term for muscle pain caused by a lack of blood flow to the tissues.
Poor circulation can be caused by narrowed arteries, which are less capable of moving blood through the body. This can be due to a buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) on the artery walls, known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis can also be caused by smoking, as the chemicals damage blood vessels. Blood clots can also block the flow of blood, either partially or entirely. They can develop anywhere in the body, but a blood clot in the arms or legs can lead to circulation problems.
Other causes of poor circulation include diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Poor circulation can result in pain, as the muscles are not getting enough oxygen and nutrients to work well and remain healthy. This can lead to a cycle of worsening cardiovascular health, as pain may make exercise intolerable, and a lack of exercise results in poorer health.
If you are experiencing muscle pain due to poor circulation, there are some things you can do to improve it. Treating any underlying conditions, such as diabetes, is important. Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight can also help improve circulation. Eating a varied diet that provides essential nutrients is also beneficial. In some cases, medication or surgery may be necessary to treat poor circulation.
If you are experiencing long Covid muscle pain, there are some self-care strategies you can try at home to help reduce the pain. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen may help. The RICE method, which involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation, can also be effective. After the icing period, apply heat to the affected muscles. Gentle stretches and massages can also help to reduce muscle pain.
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Joint pain from systemic inflammation
Joint pain is a common symptom of COVID-19 and long COVID. Flu and COVID-19 are known causes of joint stiffness and pain, as well as arthritis, due to systemic inflammation within the body. When a person has a virus like the flu or COVID-19, their immune system creates a strong immune response to the attacking virus. This results in inflammation spreading widely through the body, causing muscle and joint pain.
Inflammation is a large driver of joint pain, and it can affect just one joint or multiple joints throughout the body. Joint inflammation occurs when the immune system or damaged tissue releases chemicals that cause swelling and other symptoms in a joint. This response leads to inflammation in the affected area, and the joint may feel hot or painful. Puffy, red, tender joints indicate that the immune system is working to remove damage and promote the growth of new tissue, a healthy kind of inflammation.
However, sometimes the immune system launches an unhealthy, chronic inflammatory response in certain joints, for no apparent reason. This leads to pain, stiffness, and joint damage known as inflammatory arthritis. Chronic inflammation in the joints can damage cartilage, bones, tendons, ligaments, and irritate nerves. It can also produce a long list of symptoms, including pain, swelling, and stiffness. Joint damage may be progressive and irreversible.
There are many types of inflammatory arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), gout, and pseudogout. RA occurs when the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, especially in the hands, wrists, and feet. Gout is characterized by a buildup of uric acid, which can form crystals in the joints, activating a temporary inflammatory response that can become chronic.
To treat joint pain from systemic inflammation, there are several at-home treatment options. Solutions like heat, ice, and some over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can provide temporary relief. In addition, low-impact and gentle exercises can help improve function and promote healing.
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Muscle pain caused by body-wide inflammation
Muscle pain is one of the most common symptoms of long COVID. It can last for weeks, months, or even years after the initial infection clears. The medical term for muscle pain is myalgia, which has many causes. Myalgia can be caused by muscle stress from overuse, traumatic injuries, or viral infections, which can trigger inflammation throughout the body.
COVID-19 may cause muscle aches due to body-wide inflammation, attacking the muscles, or a lack of oxygen to the muscles. When a person has a virus like the flu or COVID, their immune system creates a strong immune response to the attacking virus. Inflammation spreads widely through the body as a result of the immune system fighting the infection. The elevated inflammation throughout the body creates muscle and joint pain.
To treat muscle pain caused by body-wide inflammation, you can try over-the-counter pain relievers to treat minor aches and pains. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), like aspirin and ibuprofen, also reduce inflammation. Topical treatments can also help relieve localized muscle pain. Look for ingredients like menthol, capsaicin, or lidocaine, which can numb the area to reduce soreness.
If your muscle pain is severe, or if it lasts for more than a few days and noticeably limits your activities, you should consult a doctor. If you are experiencing long COVID, you may also want to see a physical therapist, who can help you make a plan to relieve pain and heal muscle damage.
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Joint pain caused by inactivity during Covid
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on people's physical activity, with many individuals becoming less active due to lockdown restrictions and the fear of contracting the virus. This reduction in physical activity has been linked to an increase in joint and muscle pain, with many people reporting exacerbation of pre-existing joint and muscle issues during the pandemic.
Joint pain caused by inactivity during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a significant issue, particularly in terms of lower back pain. Studies have shown that the prevalence and intensity of lower back pain increased during the COVID-19 quarantine, particularly in populations with high levels of physical inactivity and prolonged sitting. For example, a study conducted in Saudi Arabia found that most participants did not exercise or performed less exercise during the quarantine, and the prevalence of moderate to severe back pain increased compared to before the quarantine.
The relationship between physical inactivity and joint pain is well-established, and it is important to maintain physical activity during the recovery process to prevent or manage joint pain. While moderate exercise is recommended during quarantine or isolation, strenuous exercise should be avoided during an active COVID-19 infection, as it may lead to hypoxia or low oxygen saturation, potentially increasing the severity of the disease.
However, after recovering from COVID-19, engaging in physical activity and gentle exercises can help alleviate joint pain and improve overall physical fitness. This can include gentle stretches, massages, and low-impact exercises such as walking. Maintaining proper nutrition is also crucial for joint health and overall well-being.
If joint pain persists or significantly limits daily activities, it is important to seek medical advice. A healthcare provider can recommend further treatments or refer to a specialist, such as a rheumatologist or orthopaedic surgeon, to address specific joint issues.
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Muscle pain relief through medication, stretching, and the RICE method
Long Covid can cause joint and muscle pain, which can persist for several months after recovery. While some post-Covid symptoms will go away with time, others may require medical intervention.
If you are experiencing muscle pain, there are several ways to find relief through medication, stretching, and the RICE method.
Medication
Depending on the cause of the pain, common medications for muscle pain include:
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), diclofenac, or naproxen (Aleve) to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Topical rubs: Creams that contain methyl salicylate (Arthricare, Exocaine), capsaicin, lidocaine, and menthol (LidoStream, Veltrix).
- Muscle relaxants: Prescription medications like cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) may be recommended for certain muscle conditions.
Stretching
Gentle stretching can help relieve muscle soreness and aid recovery. It is important to move slowly and only apply enough force to begin to feel the muscle groups responding. Some examples of gentle stretches include:
- Lying on your back and raising your right leg, keeping it as straight as possible, then cupping the hamstring on your right leg with both hands.
- Keeping your left leg bent with your foot on the floor, gently bringing your right leg towards you while keeping it straight.
- Keeping your feet parallel, step forward on your right leg, keeping it bent, and lean forward slightly.
The RICE Method
The RICE method stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation and is a common protocol for treating acute musculoskeletal injuries. Resting after an injury gives your body a chance to regroup while your immune system sends resources to start the healing process. Ice or cold therapy causes your blood vessels to constrict and numbs your tissues, providing brief pain relief and helping to stop bleeding. Compression and elevation help to reduce swelling. While the RICE method can provide immediate relief, some researchers suggest that it may not be beneficial for long-term recovery.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, muscle and joint pain is a common symptom of long Covid.
There are several theories as to why Covid causes joint and muscle pain. Some scientists believe it is caused by inflammation, while others believe it is caused by the body's immune response to the virus. Inactivity during Covid can also cause muscles and joints to stiffen and become sore.
Muscle and joint pain can last for weeks, months, or even years after the initial infection clears.
There are several treatments for joint and muscle pain after Covid. Over-the-counter medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help ease the pain. Your doctor may also prescribe more potent medication. Massage therapy and acupuncture are also recommended. Gentle exercise can help strengthen and stretch your muscles.
If your joint and muscle pain is severe, persists for more than a few days, or limits your activities, you should see a doctor.
