The symptoms of COVID-19 might range from mild colds or the flu to quite severe illnesses. Some persons endure less common symptoms both throughout their sickness and long after they have recovered. COVID causes discomfort in the muscles and joints, including the back, legs, and neck.
The COVID-19 virus has numerous potential harmful effects on the body. Muscle and joint aches and pains are typical side effects. Once the underlying disease gets better, these pains may continue for weeks or months. You are not alone if you are dealing with chronic pain. To control the symptoms and lessen their negative effects on your life, there are numerous things you may do. This ongoing discomfort is evidence of the complex impact that COVID-19 has on the body; as a result, those who experience these symptoms may require ongoing support and care.
People are still dealing with chronic musculoskeletal issues such as joint pain, back pain, muscle discomfort, exhaustion, and stiff joints long after they have recovered from the new coronavirus. Medical professionals claim that the systemic inflammatory response brought on by SARS-CoV-2 continues to impact the musculoskeletal system even after the virus has been eradicated.
The muscles and joints are the areas of the body most frequently impacted by persistent post-COVID discomfort. Joint stiffness and acute pains, muscle aches and cramps, limb numbness or tingling, and swelling around key joints such as the knees, hips, elbows, and shoulders are some of the most prevalent complaints. Simple movements could be painful at times and challenging.
The degree of symptoms varies, frequently getting worse with exercise and then getting a little better during rest. On the other hand, discomfort usually continues for a while. Particularly the hands, legs, and back appear to be affected most frequently, which limits the strength and range of motion in the arms and legs. By prescribing medicine and designing stretches and exercises specifically for each person's difficulty areas, an orthopedic surgeon can help alleviate some of the symptoms.
Scientists are still examining the underlying reasons for persistent pain in the muscles and joints following COVID-19 recovery. One popular explanation for these persistent symptoms is that the virus causes tissue damage and extensive inflammation. Even when testing is negative for a current infection, inflammation can persist for several weeks or months.
In addition to its contribution to pain, the virus may also cause some long-term damage to nerve, muscle, or joint tissue. Another theory under investigation is post-viral autoimmunity, in which the body's defenses against the virus are upset, causing the immune system to target healthy cells and tissues later on. This causes excruciating inflammation, particularly in the joints, muscles, nerves, and organs. It will take time to pinpoint the precise mechanisms at play.
It could hurt for a few weeks. It may, however, persist even longer based on your age. While adults may need more than three months to recuperate from COVID-19 body aches, children may only experience them for four to five days. Furthermore, your discomfort may persist for an extended period of time if you have Long COVID, sometimes referred to as Post-COVID syndrome.
Body aches with COVID-19 typically go away on their own without the need for additional care. The following home remedies and lifestyle management help you to control post covid-19 muscle and joint aches.
Don’t hesitate to visit a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Also, read: Importance of a healthy diet in Covid-19 outbreak
If symptoms of post-COVID-19 muscle and joint pain persist, it might be depressing. Try to be understanding of your body as it continues to heal. However, significant effects on quality of life must be assessed by a specialist. You can start feeling better quickly with a combination of home and medical therapies according to your condition.
Q: How long after COVID might one get joint and muscle pain?
A: As the COVID-19 pandemic has spread, we have discovered that some patients continue to feel pain weeks or even months after their acute illness has recovered. Both joints and muscles have been known to experience chronic pain.
Q: How to relieve COVID joint pain and muscle aches?
A: It is essential to stay hydrated, so drink plenty of fluids. Also, get plenty of rest as your immune system works to fight infection and inflammation. To relieve pain, consider taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen, if you're able and apply ice or heat packs to reduce pain and swelling in the joints.
Q: How long do COVID muscle aches last?
A: Muscle pains or body aches may be an early sign of COVID-19, often appearing at the very start of the illness and lasting for an average of 2-3 days. Unfortunately, aches related to the coronavirus can sometimes last much longer and are commonly reported in people with long COVID-19 or post-COVID-19 syndrome.