Myalgia

Myalgia refers to achy muscles and generalized muscle pain. It is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculo-skeletal pain, fatigue, and multiple tender points.

Joint pain-The joints farthest from the trunk of the body (i.e., fingers, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles) are most frequently involved in pain usually several at a time. 

Sleep disturbances - sleep problems such as insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, or muscle jerking during sleep may be present.

Stiffness - can occur in the morning upon waking up, sitting in one position for too long, or with changes in the weather. 

Headaches or facial pain 

Irritable bowel syndrome 

Swelling-This is an excessive build-up of fluid in the tissues, or an increase in tissue mass. Swelling can occur throughout the body (generalized swelling) or be limited to a specific part of the body. 

Malaise or a general feeling of being unwell, accompanied by weakness, fever, nausea and vomiting 

Difficulty using the affected muscle

Since myalgia is more of a symptom than a disease, precautions should be taken to root out its underlying causes.

Myalgia may accompany myositis, an inflammation of the muscles, either in response to viral infection or as an immune system disorder. Infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, parasitosis and other problems may also cause muscle pain. Generalized infections such as, influenza (flu), malaria, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, polio, rat bite fever, measles, and rheumatic fever may also result in achy muscles.

Myalgia is most frequently related to muscle injury from unaccustomed exercise or work. It takes about 48 hours for a muscle to heal from minor injury. Sore muscles following exercise indicate some extent of muscle damage. This includes sprains and strains.

Worm-infested infections as trichinosis and pyomyositis may also result in muscle aches.

Certain diuretic drugs for high blood pressure or heart disorders, such as amphotericin B, carinoxolone, chloroquine, clofibrate, coticosteroids, hydroxychloroquine, and amphotericin may also cause muscle pain as their side effects. 

The causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. 

Poor circulation of blood in the body also contributes to leg cramps.

If any of these symptoms appear, a physician should be contacted for evaluation. The diagnostic procedure for myalgia includes physical examination. 

Following procedures are also used:

Blood Differential: Calculation of the balance between the red and the white blood cells. An estimation of this proportion is essential for the detection of the cause of the weakness and joints’ pain.

Electromyography (EMG): EMG or muscle needle test is the use of an instrument, which records electric currents generated in active muscles.

Avoid refined foods, saturated fatty foods from meat and dairy products, wheat pastries and other high gluten foods that are also high in sugar, cholesterol and fat. Nightshade family foods such as peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes; caffeine, colas, chocolate and highly spiced foods should also be avoided.

Avoid smoking. It is clinically proven that the nicotine and tars in cigarettes cause damage to the muscles.

• Avoid smoking, secondary smoke and oxygen-depleting pollutants as much as possible.
• Get some mild out door exercise daily.
• Massage therapy and shiatsu are both effective in increasing oxygen use and strengthening nerves and muscles.