Myositis is an inflammation that affects the muscles. It can occur for a variety of reasons, including injury, infection, muscle abuse, or autoimmune diseases. The article will discuss the most common causes of myositis, symptoms and treatments.
What is myositis?
Myositis is an inflammation of the muscles that can affect skeletal, smooth or cardiac muscles. This is a fairly common condition that can have various causes. Myositis can affect one muscle or a group of muscles. It can be a chronic or more severe disease, which can lead to a significant loss of mobility and pain.
Causes of myositis
Myositis can have many causes. One of the most common reasons is trauma, which can lead to muscle injury or muscle damage. An example would be a sudden strain of a muscle while doing heavy exercise or a car accident. In addition, autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, Hashimoto’s disease or dermatomyotic myositis can also lead to muscle inflammation. Viviral, bacterial or fungal infections can also be the cause of myositis. Metabolic disorders, such as Addison’s disease, can also affect muscle health.
Symptoms of myositis
Symptoms of myositis can be diverse and depend on the cause of the disease. Here are the most common symptoms of myositis:
- Muscle pain – the most common symptom of myositis is myalgia, which can be of varying severity and localization. The pain usually increases during movement or muscle tension.
- Muscle swelling and redness – muscles affected by inflammation may become swollen and red. This may be due to increased blood flow to the inflamed area.
- Muscle weakness – in the case of myositis, the muscles may weaken and reduce their strength. This can affect daily activities, such as picking up objects or getting up from a chair.
- Muscle stiffness – muscles can be stiff and difficult to relax, making movement difficult and leading to pain.
- Fever – in some cases, myositis may be associated with fever, which is the result of an inflammatory response in the body.
- Fatigue – People with myositis may experience general fatigue and weakness, which may be caused by illness or lack of sleep due to pain.
- Difficulty moving – People with myositis may have difficulty moving, especially if they touch the muscles of the lower limbs or the muscles that control body movements.
If these symptoms occur, it is worth consulting a doctor who will diagnose the disease and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Types of myositis
Chronic myositis
Chronic myositis is an inflammation that lasts for a long time and can lead to slow muscle damage. The most common cause of chronic myositis is an autoimmune disease, such as dermatomyotic myositis or systemic lupus erythematosus. Chronic myositis can lead to muscle weakness, stiffness, difficulty moving and decreased physical performance.
Rheumatoid myositis
Rheumatoid myositis is an autoimmune disease that leads to muscle damage and weakness. It is characterized by muscle pain, stiffness and difficulty in movement. Rheumatoid myositis usually affects skeletal muscle, and symptoms usually appear gradually and worsen over time.
Viral myositis
Viral myositis is an inflammatory muscle disease that is caused by viruses. Viruses that can cause muscle inflammation include m.in influenza viruses, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis C virus, HIV and others.
This disease is characterized by muscle pain, weakness, stiffness and sometimes swelling. It often affects the muscles of the neck, shoulders, shoulders, thighs and calves. Viral myositis can occur in people of any age, but more often affects adults than children.
Treatment of viral myositis depends on the cause of the disease. In some cases, the symptoms may go away on their own, but in other cases, antiviral treatment and anti-inflammatory drugs may be necessary. In more severe cases, patients may require hospitalization and intensive care.
Smooth muscle inflammation
Smooth muscle inflammation is an inflammatory disease that affects smooth muscles located in the digestive tract, bile ducts, urinary tract and blood vessels. This disease is usually associated with other autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or Crohn’s disease.
Symptoms of smooth muscle inflammation include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, problems urinating, back or pelvic pain, as well as other symptoms associated with autoimmune diseases, such as rashes or joint pain.
Treatment for smooth muscle inflammation depends on the cause of the disease and may include the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids or immunosuppressants. In cases where the disease leads to serious complications, such as intestinal obstruction or kidney damage, hospital treatment and surgical intervention may be necessary.
Myositis and joints: how to help yourself?
Myositis and arthritis are complex diseases that require a multidimensional approach to treatment. Here are some ways you can help yourself with myositis and arthritis:
- Doctor and specialist – it is important to consult a doctor and a specialist in rheumatic or orthopedic diseases. The doctor will be able to diagnose the disease and prescribe appropriate treatment.
- Medications – depending on the cause of the disease, the doctor may recommend the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants or other medications. It is important to use medication as directed by your doctor.
- Physical therapy – Physical therapy exercises and massages can help relieve muscle and joint pain, improve range of motion and strengthen muscles. A physiotherapist should be selected according to the type of disease and the patient’s state of health.
- Diet – A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, fish and lean meats can help reduce inflammation in the body. Avoid eating fatty, fried, sweet and processed foods.
- Dietary supplements – Some dietary supplements, such as vitamin D, vitamin C, omega-3s, glucosamine and condroitin, can help relieve the symptoms of muscle and joint inflammation. However, before using any supplements, you should consult your doctor.
- Stay active – Regular physical activity, such as walking, cycling, swimming, or gymnastics, can help maintain joint mobility and strengthen muscles. However, overloading the joints and muscles should be avoided.
- Use the right body position – it is important to use the right body position when sitting, standing or lifting objects to avoid additional strain on joints and muscles.
- Rest – it is important to give the body time to rest and recover. Fatigue, stress and excessive physical strain should be avoided.
How to treat myositis?
Treatment for myositis may include lifestyle changes, drug therapy, and physiotherapy.
Analgesics and anti-inflammatories
Drug therapy involves the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, such as NSAIDs or corticosteroids, which help relieve pain and inflammation. These medicines should always be used as directed by your doctor.
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
Physiotherapy includes exercises and massages that help strengthen and regenerate muscles and improve range of motion. This may also include the use of physical methods such as ultrasound or electrostimulation of muscles.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes include avoiding overexertion and preventing muscle overload, regular exercise that strengthens muscles, as well as a diet rich in vitamins and nutrients that help in muscle recovery. Getting enough sleep and avoiding stress can also help treat myositis.
