Are You Struggling with These Silent Myositis Symptoms?

• Written by Jagriti Chakraborty

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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Imagine waking up one morning and discovering that your arms feel strangely heavy, making tasks that were once effortless, such as lifting a cup of tea or climbing the stairs, feel difficult. What was once considered a problem linked to ageing is now hitting you at 35, and you're feeling heartbroken. Is it? No, there&rsquos no need to be.

Living with myositis symptoms transforms routine activities into draining challenges, as your muscles refuse to cooperate with your intentions. This toll manifests as muscle weakness, exhaustion, pain, difficulty swallowing, and occasional skin rashes, which saps strength from the muscles and courage from the heart. Recognising myositis and its symptoms opens the door to restoring motion and regaining confidence.

What is Myositis and Its Causes?

Myositis is a rare and chronic condition that causes inflammation in the muscles you rely on for activities like lifting and stretching. The term "myositis" is derived from "myo," meaning muscles, and "itis," meaning inflammation. In most cases, this disease is autoimmune, where the immune system mistakenly targets its own muscles.

What Triggers Myositis?

Myositis often begins when the body&rsquos immune system, infections, medications, or inherited traits disrupt normal muscle health.

• Autoimmune Reactions The body&rsquos defence system wrongly attacks healthy muscle tissue, causing chronic inflammation, excruciating pain, weakness., In some cases, it can extend beyond muscles to other organs, such as the skin, lungs, and heart.
• Infections Viruses such as the common cold, the flu, or HIV can weaken the immune system and cause muscle inflammation.
• Injury or Stain Strenuous activity or injury can trigger temporary muscle irritation. Severe forms, such as myositis ossificans or rhabdomyolysis, can cause the muscle to harden or degenerate rapidly, necessitating immediate treatment for myositis.
• Medications Drug-induced myositis occurs when certain medications, such as statins, cancer therapies, or antimalarials, directly injure muscles, spark immune attacks, or interfere with regular muscle function. This can cause soreness, swelling, and weakness, which is often reversible if the causative medication is discontinued.
• Genetics This disease is often influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, which shape the risk of developing the disease and its specific type.

The first documented case of myositis first emerged in Europe, with notable cases in Germany and England. Even today, it affects only a small percentage of the population. Thanks to advances in modern medicine, which enable the more accurate identification and management of this rare disease, its impact remains limited.

Comparison of Symptoms Across Different Types of Myositis

While all types of myositis involve fatigue and muscle weakness, each type has its own distinctive symptoms and challenges. The following table provides a side-by-side comparison for clarity.

Among inflammatory muscle disorders, Dermatomyositis (DM) is the most common, with estimates suggesting roughly 20 people per 100,000 are affected. 

Complications and Daily Life Impact of Myositis

Learning the unique patterns of each type of myositis is crucial for early management. Up next are the complications and potential health consequences if the health condition progresses.

• Respiratory: Scarring in the lungs often results in shortness of breath, which can be caused by inflammation.
• Gastrointestinal: Difficulty swallowing can increase the risk of inadequate nutrition and potentially lead to severe respiratory infections.
• Cardiac: Inflammation can weaken the heart and lead to heart failure.
• Musculoskeletal: Muscle weakness and stiffness interfere with flexibility and limit mobility.
• Dermatological: Unique skin rashes and skin hardening are common in Myotisitis, especially on the hands.
• Higher Possibility of Cancer: The condition of dermatomyositis may increase the likelihood of developing certain types of cancers, such as ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer.
• Increases Risk of Infection: Individuals become prone to infection.
• Overlapping Autoimmune Conditions: Individuals with myositis frequently experience autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Calcinosis in Children: In children with dermatomyositis, calcium often builds up in muscles and soft tissues, leading to complex, stiff joints.

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Treatment and Management of Myositis

While there is currently no such cure, myositis symptoms can be minimised through a combination of treatments designed to reduce inflammation, preserve muscle function, and improve quality of life. Myositis treatments typically include medications and physical therapy, while selected cases potentially benefit from advanced or experimental therapies.

• Corticosteroids: Considered the first-line treatment for inflammatory myositis, corticosteroids reduce muscle inflammation and improve strength. Treatment usually begins with substantial doses that are often reduced over time, with vigilant follow-ups by doctors in case of issues like diabetes, hypertension, or osteoporosis.
• Immunosuppressants: In myositis, immunosuppressants are typically administered after corticosteroids to calm the overactive immune system, reduce muscle inflammation, and improve strength. This enables lower steroid use, with second-line drugs chosen to match the severity of the myositis disease.
• Antimalarials: Primarily used in dermatomyositis, they can help control skin symptoms and reduce steroid use. However, they don&rsquot significantly improve muscle inflammation, and they can rarely cause drug-induced myopathy.
• Biological Therapies: Certain therapies target specific parts of the immune system to ease muscle swelling, boost muscle function, and reduce the need for high-dose steroids. These therapies are reserved for patients who don&rsquot respond to standard treatment of myositis.
• Plasmapheresis: For acute myositis, plasmapheresis provides a rescue approach for patients. It removes harmful immune substances from the blood, damaging antibodies, and complements other therapies. However, this therapy is typically undertaken when standard therapies have been exhausted.

Key Considerations: Regardless of therapy type, managing myositis requires careful monitoring, awareness of infections, and a personalised treatment plan, often in combination to improve outcomes safely. Patients should be made aware of possible side effects.

Managing Myositis Through Lifestyle and Rehabilitation

Undoubtedly, medications play a crucial role in managing myositis while medicine eases the symptoms, they alone aren&rsquot enough for long-term well-being. Making lifestyle adjustments, such as engaging in guided fitness, eating nutritious meals, practising stress management, and getting proper rest, enhances strength, limits muscle flare-ups, and preserves everyday function.

Exercise & Physical Therapy

Regular exercise and physical therapy help manage myositis symptoms by boosting muscle power, increasing range of motion, and making everyday tasks much more manageable. Here&rsquos how

• Collaborate with an experienced physical therapist to design a personalised exercise plan.
• Include light aerobic exercises to improve strength and stamina.
• Use light weights gradually to increase intensity.
• Incorporate a gentle warm-up and cool-down session to maintain flexibility.
• Practice flexibility and balance exercises to maintain mobility and stability.
• Let your therapist guide you through exercises that focus on balance and smooth your movements.

Rest & Activity Management

Prioritising rest and balance daily tasks helps control myositis symptoms with curated rest and activity management discussed below

• Prioritise rest, especially during the active phase of Myotisist.
• Always schedule consistent rest days and recovery periods to allow your muscles sufficient time to heal.
• Create a safer living space by removing obstacles and minimising tripping risks.

Nutrition & Diet

Let's explore the role of a balanced diet and tailored nutritional support to maintain muscle strength and support overall wellness

• Consult a dietician for a personalised eating plan, particularly if swallowing is difficult.
• Focus on a nutrient-rich diet with sufficient protein to support your muscle health.

Other Lifestyle Approaches

Simple lifestyle changes can complement treatment and make a real difference in managing myositis.

• Utilise stress-relief techniques, such as meditation or yoga, to manage stress effectively.
• Explore supportive options, such as gentle massage, heat therapy, or warm baths, to ease discomfort.
• Always talk with your doctor before using supplements like creatine.

>>Read More: The Real Story of Creatinine Benefits, Supplements and Safety Tips

Lifestyle tweaks and rehab aren't just routines they are foolproof strategies to help myositis disease not hold you back, with each small effort worth counting. However, with the best health insurance in place, you're covered through life's uncertainties.

Invest in Muscle Wellness Today!

Have you noticed persistent muscle pain or a decrease in your usual speed, making you feel older than your years? Don&rsquot worry, you&rsquore not alone. These issues are increasingly common these days. However, overlooking them can cause minor problems to spiral into life-altering complications.

This proves that myositis is a real trap, and reliable medical health coverage breaks you free from myositis challenges. With the best individual health insurance plans, you get access to cashless hospitalisation, affordable premiums, and customised benefits. So, time&rsquos ticking &mdashsign up for a trustworthy plan that supports not only your muscle strength but also your recovery from any significant health issues.

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