Myalgia

Myalgia refers to muscle pain and is a common symptom associated with a wide variety of diseases and disorders. The pain can be localized to one muscle group or be diffuse, involving multiple muscle groups. Myalgia without a definitive cause often is related to fibromyalgia.

Causes

Myalgia can be caused by overuse, injury, or diseases affecting the muscle. In addition, certain systemic diseases can lead to muscle pain, including influenza and lupus. Other causes include certain drugs, such as statins, and conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of myalgia is based on the patient's medical history, a physical examination, and sometimes, laboratory tests. If the cause of the myalgia is not immediately apparent, further testing may be necessary, including imaging studies such as MRI or CT scan.

Treatment

Treatment of myalgia depends on the underlying cause. For myalgia caused by overuse or injury, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (known as the RICE protocol) can be helpful. Pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also be used. For myalgia related to systemic diseases, treatment of the underlying disease is necessary.

See also

• Fibromyalgia
• Polymyalgia rheumatica
• Myopathy
• Myositis

References

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