Muscle pain, known as myalgia, is a condition that can affect any group of muscles in the human body.
Muscle pain
Myalgia or muscle pain can appear either locally or generally, and its intensity ranges from mild and tolerable discomfort to severe pain that limits mobility and quality of life.
The origin of myalgia can be due to various factors such as overexertion, trauma, viral infections, inflammatory diseases, or chronic stress.
Unlike other types of pain such as joint or bone pain, muscle pain is strictly related to the muscle fibers and the tissues surrounding them.
Generally, this type of pain is temporary and resolves with rest and basic treatment, but there are cases where myalgia may persist or be the result of an underlying condition.
Muscle pain is a sensation of discomfort, tension, or pain occurring in skeletal muscles and can be caused by various factors such as:
- Overload or excessive use: this is the most common cause, usually occurring after intense physical activity, especially if the muscles are not used to that workload.
- Muscle injuries: blows, strains, or tears can cause pain in muscle tissue and are common in sports or accidental injuries.
- Infections: some viral and bacterial infections such as the flu or COVID-19 can cause generalized muscle pain due to the body’s immune response.
- Inflammatory diseases: conditions such as polymyalgia rheumatica, fibromyalgia, and myositis are characterized by inflammation of the muscles and soft tissues.
- Stress: chronic stress and anxiety can lead to prolonged muscle tension, resulting in pain and stiffness.
- Substances: some medications or other toxic substances can cause muscle pain as a side effect.
In myalgia, the pain can be acute, meaning it lasts a few days and is related to recent injuries or physical activity; but it can also be chronic pain lasting weeks or months, often linked to inflammatory diseases, persistent infections, or nervous system disorders.
Additionally, this condition may occur locally in a specific muscle or appear diffusely, affecting several muscle groups simultaneously.
Muscle injuries
Muscle injuries are a common cause of myalgia and are mostly related to trauma, overexertion, or engaging in physical activity without proper warm-up.
Among the most common muscle injuries associated with myalgia is muscle strain, which occurs when muscle fibers stretch beyond their natural limit, causing immediate pain, mild inflammation, and limited movement.
A muscle tear is a more severe injury in which muscle fibers are partially or completely torn. This causes sharp pain, swelling, and sometimes visible bruising.
Muscle cramps are involuntary and painful muscle contractions that can last from a few seconds to several minutes.
Muscle contractures occur when a muscle remains in a continuous state of contraction and are usually the result of overexertion, poor posture, or prolonged emotional tension.
Although tendinitis directly affects the tendons—structures that connect muscles to bones—it can also cause muscle pain due to the inflammation and tension in the affected area.
A muscle contusion occurs after a direct blow to a muscle, causing damage to muscle fibers and blood vessels.
What is myalgia and arthralgia
A condition that is often closely related is myalgia and arthralgia; on one hand, myalgia is muscle pain, and on the other hand, arthralgia is joint pain. Although these conditions are different, they are related because they share common causes and often occur simultaneously.
Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, systemic infections, metabolic disorders, wear and tear, or overuse are situations that can cause both conditions.
Myalgia is commonly experienced in daily life due to multiple causes. Its management usually includes rest, physical therapy, pain relievers, and lifestyle changes, but if pain persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is essential to seek specialized medical care.
At the ABC Medical Center’s Orthopedics and Traumatology Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
Fuentes
MedlinePlus, Elsevier, Kern Pharma
