Muscle pain after recovering from Covid-19: What you need to know

Article by Master, Doctor Nguyen Minh Son - Interventional Cardiologist - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital

Injured muscle tissue from a direct viral attack, an inflammatory reaction, or a side effect of medication can be the cause of persistent muscle pain after recovering from Covid. To better understand this condition, follow the sharing of specialists in the following article.

According to Dr. Ngo Thi Kim Oanh, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Campus 3, prolonged muscle pain accounts for about 20-30% of persistent symptoms after Covid. Muscle pain in Covid-19 patients can last longer than in other viral infections, responding poorly to common pain relievers. The cause and mechanism of this condition is still being studied by scientists.
There are 3 theories put forward:
First, muscle tissue is damaged by the direct attack of the virus. Second, through an inflammatory response leading to increased blood lactate levels, decreased intracellular pH, and low oxygen levels, causing muscle fatigue similar to muscle fatigue after strenuous exercise. Hypercoagulability and inflammation of blood vessels in and around nerves and muscles aggravate the lack of blood supply to the muscles. Third, due to side effects of treatment drugs. Some medicines used in the treatment of Covid-19 can cause muscle pain as a side effect, for example antiviral drugs (ribavirin), corticosteroids. ..

"To reduce prolonged muscle fatigue after Covid-19, patients should exercise, practice breathing gently to help circulation, enhance gas exchange, provide oxygen to tissues, and speed up the elimination process. excess lactate in the blood," shared doctor Kim Oanh.
Also according to doctor Tran Thi Phuong Thao, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital 3, said: According to traditional medicine, muscle pain belongs to the category of diseases of the Rat and Thong. The two groups of mechanisms that cause this syndrome are "unobstructed system", if there is no pain, if there is no pain, if there is pain, there must be a blockage somewhere; and the lack of nourishment will cause pain.
Based on the above mechanism and the specific characteristics of each patient, doctors combine drug therapy and non-drug treatment to help blood circulation, replenish blood, and solve congestion. or lack of nourishment, helps the body recover quickly.
Doctors based on the nature of symptoms of muscle pain to divide into types, from which there are corresponding treatment methods and remedies. For example, muscle aches and pains, heavy muscles, slimy white moss... show that the disease is in favor of the Low Rat. The remedy is a medicine with low minus effect, activating blood and gas such as Tam Ty Thang, Y Do Thang ... Muscle pain with feeling of lack of strength, short breath, fatigue, sound small talk, loss of appetite... showing that the disease is prone to Qi. Corresponding remedies include gas tonics such as ginseng, Linh Bach Truc, Ngoc Binh Phong Van, Bao Nguyen Thang...
Apply non-medical supportive methods such as acupuncture, massage, and nourishment. . Acupuncture by acting on selected acupoints, promotes blood circulation in the meridians, restoring balance to the body. Selected acupoints are local acupoints or acupoints with specific therapeutic effects to activate blood... Each course of 10-15 days.
In addition, doctors through direct effects on the skin, tendons, muscles, circulatory system capillary under the skin, nerve receptors under the skin ... massage helps increase circulation, local nutrition for muscles , creating a feeling of comfort and pleasure. Normally, the massage process is 10-15 times, about 15-20 minutes each time.

"Patients can also practice nourishing exercises such as breathing for four times, relaxing, viewing far and near... to help blood circulation and lungs work better. It is recommended to practice nourishing life for 20-30 minutes a day." , Doctor Tran Thi Phuong Thao recommended.
Muscle pain is a prolonged post-Covid-19 symptom that not only affects health but also seriously reduces quality of life. Therefore, when applying common improvement measures do not bring good results, patients need to go to medical facilities for early examination and treatment.
Post-COVID-19 complications vary from person to person but can last for weeks or months, severely affecting the physical and mental health of the patient. Patients with early examination can promptly detect and treat sequelae caused by SARS-CoV-2, quickly return to a normal, healthy life.
Currently, Vinmec has post-Covid-19 examination packages:
✅ Evaluation of respiratory system function after Covid-19 infection: For patients with persistent shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness; The patient has limited physical activity and is short of breath.
✅ In-depth assessment of respiratory system function after Covid-19 infection: For patients who have been diagnosed with lung injury in the acute phase: opacified lung damage, pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis
✅ Screening Post-Covid-19 neuropsychiatric disorders: For patients with prolonged symptoms: insomnia, fatigue, muscle pain, headache; Neurological disorders plant; cognitive impairment (brain fog); appearance of mental disorders: paranoia, trauma, depression, anxiety
✅ Assessment of disorders related to the inflammatory response of the system after Covid immunity: For patients with persistent fever (> 2 weeks), unexplained fatigue; skin rash: urticaria, erythema, purpura; damage to many known organs: increased liver enzymes, kidney damage, digestion; disorders of inflammatory markers; Hematological disorders: anemia, hemolysis, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia.
Checkup package for customers over 18 years old The package of intensive assessment of respiratory system function after Covid-19 infection is only available at Vinmec Times City Special offer from March 15 to March 31, 2022
10% discount for The first 100 customers to register and buy a package in March 2022 Discount up to 20% Food for post-Covid-19 health care >>Register now HERE