In the last few months, as the city struggled with Covid’s third wave, there is an uptick in the number of patients with fibromyalgia which is a painful condition leading to fatigue and joints, chest wall, elbows, legs, shoulder, and head pain. This condition interferes with one’s ability to perform daily chores with ease. It is the need of the hour to take medication as prescribed by the doctor, eat a balanced diet, exercise, sleep well and do meditation to manage this condition.
There are many health problems that cropped up during the pandemic, and one of them is Fibromyalgia. “It is a painful and chronic condition leading to muscle pain along with fatigue, sleep disturbances, mood-related disorders, and even memory problems. So, the patients will notice pain in the shoulders, chest, elbows, and joints. Furthermore, one may also experience constant fatigue, stress, anxiety, sleep problems, mood swings, and memory fog. The symptoms may be similar to arthritis, but it does not cause joint or muscle inflammation. It impacts the soft tissue and not the joints. Fibromyalgia is also a long covid symptom known as FibroCovid. It is seen commonly in women compared to men, said Dr Gaurav Khera, Orthopedic Surgeon (Karol Bagh)Apollo Spectra Delhi.
Dr Khera added, “This condition is also reported in those patients who have recovered from Covid infection. In long COVID patients, there are various factors that can contribute to the risk of developing fibromyalgia. Being obese or being treated with supplemental oxygen while dealing with COVID-19 can invite this condition. However, the exact reason behind its occurrence is not clear.”
Dr Khera Added, “It is a condition in which one will encounter pain in the muscles, soft tissue, and veins of the body. Many patients will also have anxiety and depression, trouble in concentration, frequently upset stomach, pain, numbness in hands and feet. The exact cause of it is not known yet. But, it can be genetic too. Women are diagnosed with this condition when compared to men. More common in males and obesity being a precipitating factor. We get 4-5 patient’s daily with similar symptoms
Fibromyalgia is not a life-threatening disease and with certain modifications in lifestyle like exercise, limiting alcohol, meditation or diet changes, a person can recover over a period of time. Take medication for nerve pain, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychotherapy. Though this condition will impact one’s quality of life, it can be tackled with prompt medical attention. Since one will take time to get back on track, he/ she should have patience. Try to eat and sleep well, stay physically active by working out daily, de-stress by doing yoga and meditation and maintain an optimum weight,” concluded Dr Khera.
