Pain in muscles and joints (musculoskeletal) can be a symptom of many diseases, not only the muscles themselves, but also diseases of the nervous system, viral infections (e.g. influenza) and systemic diseases (e.g. hypothyroidism). Find out what muscle and joint pains mean.
Muscle and joint pain (musculoskeletal)can be a symptom of many diseases. The most common causes of muscle and joint pain are overstrain, overstretching and injuries. However, patients most often report to a doctor with chronic pain, the cause of which may be not only the muscles themselves, but also the nervous system, infections and systemic diseases.
Muscle pain may be limited or generalized. The localized pain in muscles may be in one muscle or a group of muscles. Joint pain, on the other hand, is usually the result of inflammation in the joints. The joint is then also swollen, the skin above it is red and warmer than the surrounding tissues, there may be an impaired mobility of the joint.
Pain in muscles and joints (musculoskeletal) - acute viral infections
Muscle and joint pains are also one of the symptoms of viral diseases. They can appear in the course of, among others
- flu - muscle and joint pains are very strong, and additionally they are accompanied by muscle weakness. Patients often complain of "pain in the whole body", which makes it difficult for them to perform even simple activities
- colds - in the course of colds, muscle and joint pains are weaker than in the case of flu, they do not cover the whole body, preventing everyday functioning. They usually disappear after a few days of infection, and do not persist throughout the disease (as is the case with flu)
- rubella (in the preview period) - rubella begins with flu-like symptoms that persist for several days: malaise, headache and muscle pain, possibly pharyngitis, dry cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis
- chickenpox - muscle and joint pains appear 1-2 days before the rash. The accompanying symptoms are general malaise, headache, sore throat, diarrhea and a mild fever.
Muscle and joint pain (articular and muscular) - rheumatic diseases
- polymyositis and dermatitis-muscle - the disease can attack any muscle, including the heart and respiratory muscles, making them weak. In the case of the latter, the skin is also affected. The characteristic symptoms are muscle weakness (especially in the arms and thighs), joint pain and morning stiffness. In the case of dermatomyositis, skin changes also appear, mainly
- fibromyalgia - manifested by a feeling of exhaustion, weakened immunity, severe sleep disorders, enlarged lymph nodes, stiffness in the morning, pain in muscles and bones throughout the body. There may also be intestinal problems (from constipation to diarrhea)
- rheumatic polymyalgia attacks the muscles of the neck and nape, as well as the shoulder and pelvic girdles, which is manifested by pain in the muscles of the neck, shoulder and hip girdles, which lasts longer than 2 weeks (especially when they are pressed). There is also stiffness of this group of muscles after little physical activity or immobilization (most often in the morning, after getting out of bed)
- rheumatoid arthritis - flu-like symptoms start at first, such as feeling weak, low-grade fever, muscle pain, loss of appetite and weight loss. Then there is pain and morning stiffness in the joints, joint swelling, joint tenderness to pressure, limitation of its mobility and joint deformation
Other rheumatic diseases that may be accompanied by muscle and joint pain include ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, Still's disease, Sjogren's syndrome, acute rheumatic fever.
Pain in muscles and joints (musculoskeletal) - Lyme disease
Lyme disease is indicated by erythema migrans, fever, malaise, headaches, muscle pains that occurred within a few days or weeks after a tick bite. Symptoms of arthritis (including pain) appear at a later stage of the disease.
Pain in muscles and joints (musculoskeletal) - chronic fatigue syndrome
It is characterized by generalized muscle pain and a predominant feeling of general fatigue accompanied by muscle weakness, which lasts at least six months. You may also experience low-grade fever, fainting, dizziness and headaches.
Muscle and joint pain (muscular and articular) - hypothyroidism
In the course of hypothyroidism, there may be, inter alia, musculoskeletal symptoms such as muscle weakness, stiffness and pain mainly called proximal (shoulder and pelvic girdles). This causes problems with walking up the stairs, getting up from a sitting position,performing hygienic activities such as shaving or brushing your hair. There may also be painful muscle spasms that build up after exercise and exposure to low temperatures. Pain, tenderness, limited mobility and swelling in the wrist area associated with the inflammation of the tendon sheaths of the flexor muscles of the fingers are also characteristic.
Pain in muscles and joints (musculo-articular) - myofascial pain syndrome (fasciomyalgia)
This pain is limited to one or a few muscles, most often paraspinal muscles, especially in the lumbar region, and also in the hip and shoulder girdles. It can also affect the muscles of the head and neck.
Pain in muscles and joints (musculoskeletal) - restless legs syndrome
The urgent need to move the legs is characteristic, caused by restlessness or unpleasant sensations in the legs. These ailments are usually observed during rest (most often in the evening and at night), and disappear during movement (walking, stretching the muscles).
Muscle and joint pain (musculoskeletal) - bursitis
Pain in muscles and joints is also a symptom of syndromes related to periarticular structures, such as bursitis, epicondylitis, fascia, tendon or its sheath. In these cases, the pain occurs with specific movements in a given joint, or local tenderness and swelling above the synovial bursa or tendon insertion. No symptoms at rest or with minimal movement.
Muscle and joint pain (musculoskeletal) - injuries
Muscle and joint pains can also be the result of injuries, such as muscle strains, sprains and joint dislocations.
Pain in muscles and joints (muscle and joints) - potassium deficiency
Pain in muscles and joints can also be one of the symptoms of potassium deficiency. This element is responsible, inter alia, for the proper functioning of muscles, including the heart. When it is deficient, muscle aches and cramps (especially in the legs), irregular heartbeat, nervousness or fatigue appear.
About the author
Monika Majewska A journalist specializing in he alth issues, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth protection and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts and reports. Participant of the largest Polish National Medical Conference "Polish woman in Europe", organized by the "Journalists for He alth" Association, as well as specialist workshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.
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