Myalgia or muscle pain is a common complaint. Unusually excessive exertion, trauma, and viral infections are among the most common causes. While many causes are benign and self-limiting, myalgia can also be associated with significant morbidity. A thorough review by the doctor of the patient's history and complete physical examination will narrow the list of potential causes of myalgia to a manageable one. For persistent or severe myalgia, selected investigations may be necessary to identify the diagnosis and direct treatment. There is a difference between myalgia and myopathy (muscle disease) and myositits (muscle inflammation). Although myopathy and myositis may cause myalgia, most people with myalgia may have neither.
Dermatomyositis is an uncommon inflammatory disease. Here are some symptoms:
- progressive muscle weakness
- a distinctive skin rash
- weight loss
- fever
Lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease which affects many different body systems.
It commonly causes:
- joint pain
- swelling
- photosensitivity
- skin rash
- swollen lymph nodes
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a long-term illness and the commonest symptom is extreme tiredness. There can be other symptoms such as insomnia, headache, myalgia, joint pain.
If you are concerned, I would advise you to consult your doctor to diagnose the condition, perform the relevant investigations and manage it accordingly.
