Coping With Muscle & Joint Aches After COVID-19 Infection

Medically Reviewed by:Dr. Kanika
Coping With Muscle & Joint Aches After COVID-19 Infection

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.

Muscle and Joint Aches after COVID-19 Infection:

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.  

What Is the Cause of Joint and Muscle Pain after COVID-19 Infection?

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.

How Long Do COVID-19-Related Muscle And Joint Aches Last?

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.

Exploring The Home Remedies To Manage Muscle And Joint Aches After COVID-19 Infection? 

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.

  • Involvement in mild aerobic exercise:  Low-impact activity assists in building back muscle and stamina. Start with very slow activities like walking, swimming, and stationary bike. Stop the activities if it hurts.
  • Apply heat or Ice: Using heating pads, hot baths, and cold packs helps to reduce pain and swelling in muscles and joints.
  • OTC Medications: Taking pain relievers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and Advil can help to relieve pain. Topicals like muscle rubs can also be applied.
  • Practice healthy Eating: Make focus on complete, anti-inflammatory foods. Cut back on sugar, processed foods, fast food, fried foods, and saturated fats. Remain hydrated.
  • Stress Relief: Prolonged stress can keep inflammation alive. Allocate time for unwinding with yoga, meditation, counseling, or any other soothing techniques you enjoy.
  • Include supplements in diet: Taking supplements like fish oil, turmeric, magnesium, and glucosamine may help to relieve muscle aches and joint pain.
  • Practice gentle ROM/stretching exercises: Take them gradually, but don't stop working your joints and muscles to keep them from freezing up. Pilates and yoga are excellent for this.
  • Get Enough Sleep: Adequate sleep promotes healing in the body. Establish a peaceful nighttime ritual. The use of electronics before bed should be limited.
  • Pace Yourself: Move slowly and stop frequently. Avoid overdoing things because that can cause crashes and explosions. Give yourself time to relax.
  • Braces and compression can help weak joints (such as the knees or wrists) to prevent additional damage. For appropriately fitted equipment, see a physician.

When to See A Doctor?

Don’t hesitate to visit a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Severe pain even after taking painkillers
  • Persistent swelling around the joints
  • Occurrence of numbness or tingling in joints or worsening of existing condition
  • Trouble in moving your joints and muscles
  • Difficulty in carrying out routine activities
  • Fatigue, weakness, or tiredness

Also, read: Importance of a healthy diet in Covid-19 outbreak

Conclusion

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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