Muscle pain and weakness are symptoms that many people attribute to fatigue or a cold. However, they can sometimes be signs of a serious condition—myositis. Understanding this condition will help you see a doctor in time and start the right treatment.
What is myositis?
Myositis is an inflammation of muscle tissue. The term “myositis” encompasses both common inflammation following overexertion or exposure to cold, as well as serious autoimmune diseases: polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and necrotizing autoimmune myopathy.
In autoimmune forms, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own muscles, causing chronic inflammation. Without treatment, this can lead to persistent weakness, muscle atrophy, and serious complications.
How to recognize myositis: main symptoms
Look for the following signs:
• Muscle weakness—especially in the shoulders, hips, and neck; difficulty getting up from a chair or raising your arms.
• Muscle pain—may be constant or worsen with movement and palpation.
• Increased fatigue—even after minimal physical exertion.
• Muscle atrophy — with a prolonged course of the disease, muscle mass may decrease, and strength and endurance may decline.
• In dermatomyositis, characteristic skin rashes may appear: redness around the eyes (the “goggle” sign), and rashes on the finger joints.
• Possible difficulty swallowing or shortness of breath — if the throat muscles and respiratory muscles are affected (this requires immediate medical attention!).
⚠ Important: If you experience severe shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, or a sudden worsening of your condition, contact a doctor immediately or call an ambulance.
Why does myositis occur?
The causes can vary:
• Autoimmune processes—the most common cause of chronic myositis.
• Viral and infectious diseases—the flu, strep throat, and other infections can trigger muscle inflammation.
• Injuries and excessive physical exertion.
• Exposure to cold and prolonged exposure to drafts.
• Taking certain medications (for example, statins—drugs used to lower cholesterol).
• Concomitant connective tissue diseases (lupus, scleroderma).
• Cancer — in some cases, myositis may be the first sign of a tumor.
Treatment and rehabilitation
According to the clinical guidelines of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, treatment is selected based on the form and cause of myositis. Properly prescribed therapy significantly influences the course of the disease and the prognosis.
Drug treatment
• Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone)—the main treatment for autoimmune myositis, reduce inflammation.
• Immunosuppressants (methotrexate, azathioprine) — prescribed when corticosteroids are not effective enough.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs — to relieve pain and swelling.
• Antibiotics — if myositis is caused by a bacterial infection.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is an integral part of treatment and includes:
• Physical therapy — a personalized exercise program to restore muscle strength.
• Physical therapy procedures — to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.
• Massage — as a supplement to the main treatment.
Important to remember
• Do not self-medicate—myositis requires an accurate diagnosis and a doctor’s prescription.
• Seeking timely medical attention and receiving proper treatment significantly improve the prognosis.
• Follow rehabilitation recommendations—this will speed up recovery.
• Avoid triggering factors: hypothermia, excessive physical exertion, and stopping medication on your own.
• Visit your doctor regularly to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment.
Diagnosis and Rehabilitation at Helios
At the Helios Medical Center, we conduct comprehensive diagnostics, monitor the course of the disease, and develop a personalized treatment and rehabilitation program.
An important part of recovery is properly selected physical rehabilitation and therapeutic exercises, which help maintain muscle strength, reduce the risk of atrophy, and improve the patient’s quality of life.
If you experience muscle weakness, pain, or rapid fatigue, it is important to consult a specialist promptly.
V.L. Kovalenko — Physician of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM)
+38 067 000 01 50
