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Muscle pain is a common symptom of COVID-19, often appearing at the onset of the illness and lasting for an average of 2 to 3 days. However, in some cases, these aches can persist for much longer, especially in individuals with long COVID or post-COVID syndrome. The intensity of muscle pain associated with COVID-19 can vary from mild to moderate, and it may be felt during muscle movement or upon touching the muscle. While the exact cause of muscle pain due to COVID-19 is not fully understood, it is believed to be related to inflammation caused by the body's immune response to the virus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle aches as a symptom of COVID-19 | Common |
| Muscle pain intensity | Ranges from mild to moderate |
| Muscle pain variation | Varies from person to person |
| Muscle pain trigger | Can be triggered by movement or touch |
| Muscle pain duration | Lasts 2-3 days on average, but can last longer |
| Muscle pain treatment | Ibuprofen, paracetamol, hot and cold therapy |
| Muscle pain cause | ACE2 receptors in muscle cells |
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What You'll Learn
Muscle pain is a common early symptom of COVID-19
According to the ZOE COVID Study, which analysed data from over four million people in the United Kingdom, muscle aches and pains are among the top 10 COVID-19 symptoms. Similarly, a study of hospitalised COVID-19 patients found that 68% experienced muscle pain. Furthermore, in a study of statin takers, Polish researchers found that a higher percentage of those taking statins developed muscle aches after contracting COVID-19 compared to non-statin users.
Muscle pain can be a very common symptom of COVID-19, often appearing at the beginning of the illness and lasting for an average of 2-3 days. However, in some cases, muscle aches related to COVID-19 can persist for much longer, particularly in those with long COVID or post-COVID syndrome. The CDC estimates that around 14% of people experience long COVID, which is defined as symptoms lasting for three months or longer after the initial illness.
The cause of muscle pain in COVID-19 is not yet fully understood. One theory suggests that it is due to the coronavirus entering and causing direct damage to cells through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors located in various muscle cells and the spinal cord. This triggers an immune response, leading to inflammation and pain. Another possible factor contributing to muscle pain is the physical stress that the illness places on the body. Additionally, the virus may cause an imbalance of electrolytes, such as potassium and sodium, which are essential for muscle health.
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The intensity of pain varies from mild to moderate
The intensity of muscle pain caused by COVID-19 varies from mild to moderate, and it can be felt with muscle movement or when touching the muscle. The pain can be generalised, with the entire body aching and feeling stiff and heavy, or more targeted, such as in the back, legs, neck, shoulders, knees, and ankles. The type and degree of muscle pain associated with COVID-19 can vary greatly from person to person. According to Dr Aaron E. Glatt, chief of infectious diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside, New York, the variation in pain can range from "it's a little tender in some spots" to "I'm bedridden because it hurts to move."
In a study of people sick enough to be hospitalized for COVID-19, 68 percent of participants experienced muscle pain, according to a study by Turkish researchers published in August 2021 in the European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. Another study by Polish researchers, published in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy in April 2022, found that a higher percentage of statin takers who had not experienced muscle pain before contracting COVID-19 developed aches once they got sick, compared to non-statin users.
The cause of body aches due to COVID-19 is believed to be related to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors found in various muscle cells and the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. The coronavirus enters and causes direct damage to these cells, triggering an immune response that results in inflammation and pain. This inflammation can last for weeks or months and is associated with long COVID or post-COVID syndrome.
While muscle aches due to COVID-19 typically go away on their own without additional treatment, there are some relief strategies that can help alleviate the pain. These include drinking plenty of fluids, resting, taking hot baths or showers, applying cold therapy or ice packs to reduce inflammation, and consuming a healthy and nutritious diet. In some cases, medication such as ibuprofen or paracetamol may be recommended.
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Muscle pain can last for 2-5 days, sometimes longer
Muscle pain is a common symptom of COVID-19 and can be felt when moving the muscle or touching it. The intensity of the pain can range from mild to moderate, and it can last for 2-5 days, sometimes longer. The type and degree of muscle pain associated with COVID-19 can vary from person to person. It can range from mild tenderness to severe pain that makes it difficult to move. The pain can be felt in different parts of the body, including the back, legs, and neck.
In some cases, muscle pain associated with COVID-19 can last much longer, especially in people with long COVID-19 or post-COVID-19 syndrome. Long COVID is defined by the CDC as symptoms lasting for three months or longer after the initial illness. While the exact number of people experiencing muscle aches due to COVID-19 is unknown, the figure is believed to be high.
The cause of muscle pain in COVID-19 patients may be linked to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors found in various muscle cells and the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. The coronavirus enters and causes direct damage to these cells, triggering an immune response. This response includes the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, resulting in tissue inflammation and pain.
The duration of muscle pain due to COVID-19 can vary depending on age. While adults may take more than three months to recover from COVID-19-related body aches, children may experience them for only four to five days. It is important to note that COVID-19 symptoms can change with new variants and vary depending on vaccination status.
If you are experiencing body aches and suspect they could be related to COVID-19, it is recommended to get tested, self-isolate, and monitor for other symptoms. Staying hydrated, resting, and doing mild stretches throughout the day can help manage the pain. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential for appropriate medication and guidance.
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![Symptoms [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81dVcRHlENL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Long COVID can cause chronic muscle pain
COVID-19 is caused by infection with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Muscle aches and pains, known as myalgia in the medical field, are among the most common symptoms of COVID-19. These aches can manifest anywhere in the body but are most commonly reported in the head, neck, and limbs. They can range from mild tenderness to severe pain that restricts movement.
In some cases, muscle pain can persist long after the initial COVID-19 infection has cleared, a situation known as long COVID or post-COVID syndrome. Long COVID is defined by the CDC as the presence of symptoms for three months or longer after the initial illness. Muscle pain is among the dozen-plus symptoms identified by the CDC as being part of long COVID. The exact mechanisms behind long COVID muscle pain are not yet fully understood, but it often takes on different characteristics than the acute phase pain. Many long COVID patients experience ischemic myalgia, which results from inadequate blood flow to muscle tissues. This type of pain can be challenging to treat because it involves ongoing circulation problems rather than just residual inflammation.
The chronic nature of long COVID muscle pain requires different management approaches than acute COVID muscle symptoms. Patients often need comprehensive rehabilitation programs that address both the physical symptoms and the functional limitations that develop over time. The unpredictability of long COVID muscle pain is a significant challenge, with symptoms often fluctuating in intensity and location without apparent triggers. This variability makes it difficult for patients to plan activities and for healthcare providers to develop consistent treatment strategies.
The long-term outlook for most patients with long COVID muscle pain remains positive. The majority of individuals experience complete resolution of muscle symptoms within several weeks or months of infection, particularly when appropriate management strategies are implemented early. Even patients with more severe or prolonged muscle pain often see significant improvement over time with proper treatment and rehabilitation.
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The cause of muscle pain is inflammation due to the body's immune response
Muscle pain is a common symptom of COVID-19, and it can be felt with muscle movement or when touching the muscle. The type and degree of muscle pain associated with COVID-19 vary from person to person. While the exact cause of muscle pain from COVID-19 is not yet known, inflammation due to the body's immune response is thought to be a key factor.
COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which enters the body's cells through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors found in various tissues, including muscle cells and the spinal cord. Once the virus enters these cells, the body's immune system springs into action, deploying macrophages to locate and destroy the virus. However, these macrophages also produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, which cause tissue inflammation and lead to body aches and pain. This inflammation can affect the joints, muscles, nerves, and organs, resulting in discomfort that can range from mild to moderate.
The inflammation caused by the immune response to COVID-19 can have long-lasting effects. Some people with long COVID, or post-COVID syndrome, continue to experience muscle aches and pain even after the initial infection has cleared. The severity and duration of these symptoms can vary, and they may persist for weeks, months, or even longer in some cases.
While the inflammation due to the immune response is a key factor, other mechanisms may also contribute to muscle pain in COVID-19. Physical stress, electrolyte imbalances caused by kidney dysfunction, and muscle breakdown due to inactivity during illness can all play a role in the development of muscle pain. Additionally, factors such as age, gender, and the severity of the infection may influence the intensity and duration of muscle pain.
To manage muscle pain associated with COVID-19, it is important to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and practice mild stretching throughout the day. Consulting a healthcare professional is essential for appropriate guidance and treatment, especially if the muscle pain is persistent or severe.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, muscle pain is a common symptom of COVID-19.
The coronavirus enters the body's cells through ACE2 receptors, which are located in various cells of the muscles and the spinal cord. This causes inflammation, resulting in body aches.
COVID-related muscle aches can last for 2-5 days on average. However, in some cases, they can persist for much longer, especially in people with long COVID.
To relieve COVID-related muscle aches, it is recommended to rest, stay hydrated, and take mild pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. Hot and cold therapy, such as hot baths or showers and ice packs, can also help reduce muscle pain and inflammation.
