COVID-19 can cause muscle and body aches in some people. However, body aches are a common symptom of many health problems, including musculoskeletal conditions.
COVID-19 can cause several symptoms, including body aches. This can feel like a dull ache in the muscles that may limit mobility or energy.
Keep reading to learn more about body aches as a symptom of COVID-19.
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Body aches can be a symptom of many viral diseases, including COVID-19.
According to data from the ZOE COVID Symptom Study, body aches are typically an early symptom of COVID-19 and can last 2–5 days. They are more likely to last for up to 7–8 days in people aged over 35 years.
The study suggests that around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 will experience body aches and that this symptom is more common in individuals aged 16–65 years than in children or older adults.
COVID-19 could cause body aches through inflammation in the body.
Inflammation is the body’s key defense against viruses. However, it can cause some side effects, such as pain, swelling, and difficulty moving. It can also produce more general symptoms when fighting a virus, including fever and tiredness.
Viruses trigger an inflammatory response from the immune system after detection. Inflammation involves a series of complex processes that the body uses to fight infections and other irritants in the body.
There are many possible causes of body aches, including dehydration and taking certain medications, such as statins. Body aches resulting from infections can be due to the body’s immune response to a virus.
However, body aches are very common and have many possible causes. For instance, people could be experiencing body aches from poor posture or intense exercise.
Learn more about having sore muscles after activity here.
Body aches due to COVID-19 can feel like a dull, aching sensation in the muscles. This sensation could affect one or several body parts and may range from mild to severe.
In the most serious cases, body aches could interfere with or prevent daily activities.
Body aches can have a range of different causes other than COVID-19. Anything that leads to inflammation could potentially result in body or muscle aches.
Common causes of inflammation include:
- germs, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi
- injuries
- a reaction to chemical irritants or radiation
- diseases whose names end in “-itis,” which indicates an inflammatory condition
- muscle strain
Mild body aches could also result from strain on the muscles. For example, sitting with poor posture, exercising intensely, or repeating certain movements could all lead to body aches in specific areas.
Many causes of body aches are common and could be a more likely explanation than COVID-19.
For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 1.7 billion people around the world have a musculoskeletal condition. This is a group of conditions that affect the muscles and bones and may cause body aches.
Learn about the differences between bone pain and muscle pain here.
According to the CDC, it is important that anyone with COVID-19 contact a doctor immediately if they have any of the following symptoms:
- trouble breathing
- persistent chest pain
- confusion
- inability to stay conscious
- pale or blue-colored lips or skin
People who are experiencing persistent body aches for weeks should also contact a doctor. Doctors can help determine whether there is another underlying cause of the body ache.
People with severe body aches that greatly impact mobility should also seek guidance from a medical professional.
Body and muscle aches are a common side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine. They can affect the injection site, but a person may also notice aches in other muscles of the body.
The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective at preventing symptoms of severe disease from the virus. However, it can cause some side effects that will typically go away within a few days.
Some common side effects include:
- pain, flushed skin, and swelling at the site of injection
- tiredness
- headaches
- body and muscle pains
- chills
- fever
- nausea
Learn more about the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine here.
COVID-19 can cause body aches along with several other symptoms. Most people will recover from the disease within a couple of weeks. However, some individuals may experience persistent body and muscle aches.
There are many possible causes of body aches other than COVID-19, such as poor posture or musculoskeletal disease.
People who experience persistent body aches should contact a doctor to determine whether another problem is causing the symptom.
Joint pain can be a really annoying affliction, and it can also be a debilitating condition that interferes with a sufferer’s quality of life. And during the COVID-19 pandemic, recognizing the difference between something that can be treated at home and something requiring an office visit is more important than ever.
Luckily, for those less-severe cases, there are several things patients can do at home to help alleviate joint pain without seeing a doctor. Myron Smith, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with Asheville Orthopedics Associates, talks about how to determine if at-home care is sufficient and what treatments work best.
1. Exercise One ongoing way to reduce joint pain is engaging in regular exercise. Light strengthening exercises can strengthen the muscles around the joint, providing better support. “The muscles act as shock absorbers for the joints, so if you can get them toned up you may have less pain,” said Dr. Smith. He notes that the exercise should not cause joint pain, and if it does, discontinue and find moves that don’t cause pain.
2. Over-the-Counter Medications Anti-inflammatory medications like Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen) can provide relief from joint pain. And for those with a history of diabetes, taking blood thinners or have stomach problems, Dr. Smith suggests Tylenol (acetaminophen). Oral medications aren’t the only option—topical treatments such as Biofreeze and Voltaren, which was recently made available over the counter—can also provide relief. “You don’t have to take them by mouth—you can apply them to the skin, and they can be effective, especially on superficial joints,” said Dr. Smith.
3. Temperature Therapy While applying heat to pain might seem like a good idea, Dr. Smith said cold is actually best for joints. “If you’re having inflamed or swollen joints, you should use cool treatments,” he said. “Heat is good on sore muscles, but it will make inflamed joints worse even if it feels good initially.”
4. Support Sleeves Dr. Smith said some people feel better wearing a joint support sleeve. He cautions that if you wear one, make sure it’s not too tight, which can cause extremities to swell.
5. Talk to a Doctor If you’ve tried multiple at-home treatments and still can’t find relief, Dr. Smith said it may be time to reach out to your physician. “If they have significant swelling, can’t bear weight, have a considerable limp or if they’ve tried all these over-the-counter treatments and they don’t seem to be helping, it’s usually time to come in,” he said. “A lot of people come in when they can’t sleep or can’t do things they enjoy in life.”
For those who do need to come into the office, there are protocols in place, such as socially distanced waiting areas, mask requirements for staff and patients, a pre-appointment screening and thorough exam room cleanings before each patient visit, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. According to Dr. Smith, the new measures are just another way the clinic works to improve the lives of its patients.
“Our goal at Asheville Orthopedic Associates is to get you back to being able to do the things you like doing that make your life satisfying,” he said. “If you try the at-home remedies, and they’re not working, we’re here to help.”
Myron Smith, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon with Asheville Orthopedics Associates specializing in joint replacement surgery.
At Mission Health Orthopedics, our team of orthopedic surgeons, nonsurgical orthopedic physicians, sports medicine specialists, pediatric orthopedic surgeons and orthopedic trauma surgeons work together to provide the best possible musculoskeletal care for Asheville, western North Carolina and beyond. For more information about services at Mission Health Orthopedics, visit missionhealth.org/orthopedics.