Myositis
Description, Causes and Risk Factors:
Myositis is term use for inflammation of muscle.
Types May Include: Cervical myositis, epidemic myositis, infectious myositis, interstitial myositis, myositis fibrosa, myositis ossificans, myositis ossificans circumscripta, myositis ossificans progressive, myositis purulenta tropica, proliferative myositis, and tropical myositis.
Myositis is inflammation of your skeletal muscles (voluntary muscles). These are the muscles you consciously control that help you move your body. An injury, infection (viral), or autoimmune disease can cause myositis.
Causes and Risk Factors:
Those who often indulge in strenuous physical activities are most likely to suffer from these conditions.
Disorders associated with the connective tissues.
Damage to the tendons and ligaments could also manifest in the form of muscle pain and muscle inflammation.
Trauma to the muscles is one of the most common causes of myositis. An injury to the muscle, such as a car accident or sporting incident, might cause edema and inflammation to the tissue. The injury resolves in time and the condition is not chronic.
Certain autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis or lupus might also be responsible for causing myositis. People suffering from diseases such as fibromyalgia, lupus, rhabdomyolysis and idiopathic inflammatory myopathy might also experience muscle pain and inflammation. Also, people infected with human T-lymphocyte virus-1 (HTLV-1) have an increased likelihood of myositis.
Exposures to certain medications may also cause myositis.
Substance abuse or withdrawal could also lead to muscle pain and inflammation.
Symptoms:
General tiredness and fatigue.
Trouble climbing stairs, standing from a seated position, combing your hair, or reaching up.
Difficulty swallowing.
When it affects the lungs or chest muscles, you may have trouble breathing.
People with a certain form of myositis may also develop a rash on the face, knuckles and other parts of the body.
Muscle weakness and muscle pain.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosing myositis is often a complicated and lengthy process. Different tests and examinations help doctors establish an accurate diagnosis so you can begin treatment as soon as possible. During your clinical exam, your doctor will ask questions about your health in general, including detailed personal and family health histories.
Conventional blood tests: Doctors look for elevated levels of muscle enzymes in patients’ blood samples. Blood test is to look for autoantibodies and muscle enzymes such as creatine kinase (CK).
Electrodiagnostic Tests: Muscle resonance imaging scans (MRI) reveal inflammation in muscles; electromyograms (EMG) detect changes in muscles’ electrical patterns that indicate muscle disease and which muscles are affected.
Antibody Testing: Since the discovery of certain myositis-specific and myositis-associated antibodies, more detailed blood testing confirms a diagnosis and provides insight into the possible course of the disease as well as potential complications.
Treatment:
The first step is to identify the underlying cause of pain and inflammation in muscles. Those of you who have been experiencing persistent muscle pain and inflammation must consult a doctor soon. Myositis varies tremendously from patient to patient, and no one treatment works for everyone. Your physician may use a combination of drugs to treat you, or change medications over time. It is extremely important that you communicate well with your doctor about your treatment and any side effects. Medications may include corticosteroids, immunosuppressant, NSAIDs, intravenous immune globulin.
An important part of your treatment will be the regular practice of an exercise program that works for you, no matter what your level of ability or weakness. A program of regular stretching exercises prescribed by your doctor can help maintain range of motion in weakened arms and legs. Physical therapy may also help prevent permanent muscle shortening. You may also want to add whirlpool baths, heat and gentle massage. Talk with your physician about supplements that are sometimes recommended for muscle strength.
DISCLAIMER: The above information is educational purpose. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.
DISCLAIMER: This information should not substitute for seeking responsible, professional medical care.