Myalgia and Myositis

Muscle pain and muscle inflammation are medically referred to as myalgia and myositis respectively. One could develop muscle pain as well as inflamed muscles at the same time, but there are chances that these could occur independently as well. Here's some information on the common causes of these medical conditions.

Causes and Symptoms

Trauma to the muscles is one of the most common causes of inflammation and pain. Those who often indulge in strenuous physical activities are most likely to suffer from these conditions. Muscle pain can also be caused due to disorders associated with the connective tissues. Damage to the tendons and ligaments could also manifest in the form of pain and inflamed muscles.

Certain autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis or lupus might also be responsible for causing muscle pain. People suffering from diseases such as fibromyalgia, lupus, rhabdomyolysis and idiopathic inflammatory myopathy might also experience muscle pain and inflammation. Pain in the muscles could also be attributed to infections such as polio, malaria, influenza, rocky mountain spotted fever, muscle abscess, trichinosis and Lyme disease. Electrolyte imbalance in the body could also be responsible for causing these conditions.

Symptoms might also be experienced by those who use drugs such as ACE inhibitors or statins. Substance abuse or withdrawal could also lead to muscle pain and inflammation. The symptoms will depend on the location of the muscle or group of muscles affected. Inflamed muscles are characterized by pain, muscle spasms, muscle fatigue and stiffness. Those who are suffering from fibromyalgia generally experience tingling sensation, pain, chronic fatigue and disturbed sleep. In case of people suffering from polymyalgia rheumatica, pain and stiffness in experienced in multiple joints and muscles. The symptoms of myositis will vary depending on the location of inflammation. While dermatomyositis might cause skin rashes, symptoms such as muscle weakness, inflammation and difficulty in swallowing might be experienced by those suffering from polymyositis.

Treatment

Since systemic disorders, autoimmune diseases and viral infections could be responsible for causing these conditions, the first step is to identify the underlying cause of pain and inflammation in muscles. Those of you who have been experiencing persistent muscle pain and inflammation must consult a doctor soon. Since the most common cause of inflammation and pain in muscles is overuse of muscles, one must refrain from causing stress to the muscles. You must take ample rest, but make sure that rest doesn't translate to a sedentary lifestyle. Stay active and perform light exercises. You can also go for physical therapy sessions

Application of heat pads will certainly help in providing relief from pain. You can also opt for massage therapy for getting relief from pain. Massage therapy or acupuncture might also prove beneficial. Making some changes to your diet will also help. Following the recommended dietary guidelines will surely help in alleviating the symptoms to some extent. Use of pain killers, muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory drugs might also be recommended for treating these conditions. Doctors might also chalk out asymptomatic treatment plans depending on the muscle or group of muscles affected by these conditions.

Since certain medical conditions could be responsible for causing muscle pain and inflammation, don't ignore these symptoms. Those of you who have been experiencing symptoms associated with these medical conditions, need to consult a doctor soon.