Dominic Stone
Muscle spasms, or cramps, are painful contractions and tightening of the muscles. They are common, involuntary, and unpredictable. Muscle cramps can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle fatigue, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance. Notably, muscle cramps have also been identified as a possible symptom of COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While muscle pain is more commonly associated with conditions like the flu or exercise-induced soreness, it can also occur in individuals infected with COVID-19. This pain is believed to be a result of the body's immune response to the virus, leading to inflammation and muscle aches. However, it is important to note that muscle pain due to COVID-19 may manifest differently and can persist for longer periods compared to exercise-related soreness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle pain caused by COVID-19 | Can happen 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus |
| Muscle pain caused by viral infections | The body releases inflammatory molecules in response to the virus |
| Muscle pain caused by COVID-19 | More common than most people realize |
| Muscle pain caused by COVID-19 | Usually not incapacitating |
| Muscle pain caused by COVID-19 | Can be a result of stress |
| Muscle pain caused by COVID-19 vaccine | A common and normal side effect |
| Muscle pain caused by COVID-19 | May be a result of rhabdomyolysis, a rare complication |
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What You'll Learn
Muscle pain is a common symptom of COVID-19
Muscle pain, or myalgia, is a common symptom of COVID-19. While the illness is primarily a respiratory disease, muscle pain is a frequent side effect, with research suggesting it is more common than many people realise. A World Health Organization (WHO) report from February 2020, which analysed 56,000 cases of COVID-19 in China, found that 15% of patients experienced muscle pain.
The muscle pain caused by COVID-19 is believed to be a result of inflammatory molecules released by immune cells in response to the virus. It is also possible, but not yet confirmed, that the SARS-CoV-2 virus may directly infect muscle tissue.
The pain from COVID-19 can vary in intensity and location, and it can persist for days. It is usually pretty different from the muscle soreness you feel after exercise, which tends to go away after a few hours. If you feel generally okay, it is unlikely that your muscle pain is due to COVID-19. However, if you have muscle pain alongside a fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, or other COVID-19 symptoms, you should contact your doctor.
Muscle pain can also be a common side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine. This is completely normal and is a sign that your body is building immunity. These side effects should disappear within a few days.
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Joint pain is a common symptom of COVID-19
The pain can be felt throughout the entire body or in specific joints such as the hands, feet, knees, and shoulders. COVID-19 joint pain may also be accompanied by swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area. In some cases, the joint pain may be severe enough to limit a person's range of motion and ability to perform daily activities.
Muscle pain (a.k.a. myalgia) can be a symptom of COVID-19. It is believed to result from the effects of inflammatory molecules released by immune cells in response to the virus. It is also possible, but not yet confirmed, that the virus may directly infect muscle tissue. Muscle pain caused by viral infections, including COVID-19, can happen after a virus stimulates your immune system. The muscle aches and pains are “a result of cells of the immune system releasing interleukins, which are proteins that help in the fight against invading pathogens,” says Richard Watkins, M.D.
The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been associated with muscle pain, especially low back pain. This back pain has been described as intense period cramps or muscle spasms. However, it is important to note that back pain can also be caused by several other health issues, such as muscle and ligament strain, arthritis, or osteoporosis.
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Muscle pain is usually not incapacitating
Muscle pain is a common symptom of COVID-19, the illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, it is important to note that muscle pain can be caused by various other factors outside of a COVID-19 infection. For instance, muscle pain can be a result of injury, dehydration, stress, or simply working a muscle you haven't used in a while. In the context of COVID-19, muscle pain typically occurs due to the effects of inflammatory molecules released by immune cells in response to the virus.
While muscle pain can be a symptom of COVID-19, it usually isn't incapacitating, according to Dr. Watkins. This means that while you may experience discomfort, it is unlikely to severely impact your ability to perform daily activities. However, in some cases, muscle pain associated with COVID-19 can be intense and may limit your mobility. For example, some individuals infected with the Omicron variant have reported experiencing muscle pain, especially low back pain, which has been described as intense period cramps or muscle spasms.
If you are experiencing muscle pain, it is essential to consider the context and any other accompanying symptoms. For instance, if your muscle pain is accompanied by a fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms linked to COVID-19, it is advisable to consult your doctor, especially if the pain is making you feel uncomfortable.
To determine whether your muscle pain is related to COVID-19, getting tested is the only sure way. Additionally, muscle pain has been reported as a common side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine, typically lasting a few days and being more intense after the second dose of a two-dose vaccine.
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Muscle pain can be caused by stress and anxiety
Muscle pain can be a symptom of coronavirus, particularly the Omicron variant. Experts have found that people infected with the Omicron variant often experience muscle pain, especially in the lower back. This pain has been described as intense period cramps or muscle spasms. Joint pain is also a common symptom of COVID-19 and long COVID, and it can be accompanied by muscle cramps.
Stress and anxiety can also cause muscle pain. When you are stressed, your body releases stress hormones, which can lead to muscle tension and pain. This tension can occur in various parts of the body, including the head, face, neck, back, shoulders, chest, arms, legs, hands, and feet. Stress can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea, diarrhoea, and constipation. Additionally, stress can affect your heart rate and breathing, leading to dizziness or lightheadedness.
To manage stress-related muscle pain, it is essential to find healthy ways to cope with stress. Spending time outdoors in nature, practising mindfulness meditation, and connecting with family and friends can help reduce stress levels. Other self-care practices, such as keeping a journal, engaging in creative activities, and incorporating relaxation techniques like deep breathing, can also help alleviate stress and its physical manifestations, including muscle pain.
While muscle pain can be a symptom of coronavirus, it is important to note that there are other potential causes, including stress and anxiety. If you are experiencing persistent or concerning symptoms, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.
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Muscle pain can be caused by medications
Muscle pain is a common symptom of COVID-19, along with joint pain. This pain can be felt throughout the body or in specific joints such as the feet, knees, and shoulders. It is believed that the pain can be enfeebling and may limit mobility.
Medications can also cause muscle pain and weakness or joint pain. Here are some medications that can cause muscle pain:
- Fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as levofloxacin.
- Statins such as simvastatin (Zocor).
- Fibrates such as gemfibrozil (Lopid).
- Oral steroids such as prednisone.
- Bisphosphonates.
- Teriparatide (Forteo).
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac).
- Opioids like oxycodone.
If you think that a medication you are taking is causing muscle or joint pain, it is important to talk to your doctor or prescriber. They may recommend applying a hot or cold compress or suggest over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). In some cases, lowering the dose or switching to a different medication may be recommended.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, muscle pain (myalgia) can be a symptom of COVID-19. It is believed to be caused by the effects of inflammatory molecules released by immune cells in response to the virus.
The only way to be sure is to take a COVID-19 test. However, if you feel generally OK and the muscle pain is isolated, it is probably not due to COVID-19.
Muscle pain caused by COVID-19 can last for days. You can take painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to help manage the pain. If the pain is severe or persists, you should contact your doctor.
