Context:

Muscle aches, or myalgia, are a prevalent symptom of COVID-19, affecting approximately 86% of diagnosed individuals due to virus-induced inflammation or direct muscle damage. The body's immune response releases cytokines that can lead to widespread muscle and joint pain, often experienced in the legs, neck, and head, and potentially affecting joints like wrists and knees. While mild cases may see resolution of muscle aches within two weeks, more severe cases or those with long COVID can experience prolonged pain lasting weeks, months, or even years. Management of muscle pain includes home-based self-care strategies such as the RICE method, pain relievers, and gentle exercise, while persistent pain may benefit from physical therapy. Muscle aches can also arise from various non-COVID causes, necessitating testing to determine the underlying condition when such symptoms occur.

Dive Deeper:

• Muscle aches in COVID-19, also known as myalgia, result from body-wide inflammation triggered by the virus, with cytokines like interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α playing a significant role in this inflammatory response.

• Long COVID, affecting at least 10% of those who contract the virus, can lead to persistent muscle pain, often due to ischemic myalgia, characterized by inadequate blood flow to muscle tissues.

• Symptoms of COVID-related muscle pain can affect various parts of the body, including the legs, neck, and head, and may precede other respiratory symptoms, with joint pain also being common.

• While mild COVID-19 cases typically see muscle pain resolve within one to two weeks, more severe cases, especially those requiring hospitalization, may experience muscle pain lasting over four weeks or even longer in long COVID scenarios.

• Home management strategies for COVID-related muscle pain include over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and NSAIDs, the RICE method, and gentle physical activities, with persistent pain warranting consultation with a healthcare provider or physical therapist.

• Muscle aches are common with various conditions beyond COVID-19, such as muscle strain, stress, electrolyte imbalances, certain medications, and other infections, making COVID-19 testing vital for accurate diagnosis.

• Physical activity and a structured rehabilitation program can significantly aid in reducing muscle pain and improving recovery, particularly in long COVID cases, where symptoms may linger far beyond the initial infection.