It is a question that patients sometimes ask their orthopaedic surgeons in the midst of a pandemic.
Growing numbers of patients enter the long-term phases of recovery a year after COVID-19 reached India, and discover that the virus has taken its toll on more than just their respiratory systems.
Recovery from Covid-19 has been among the steepest physical and emotional struggles for many. Patients report significant functional deficits, such as lingering problems with the lungs, muscle fatigue, and cognitive disorders ranging from “brain fog” to delirium.
The usual signs of influenza infection or flu syndrome are imitated by many of the coronavirus symptoms. Muscle aches or myalgia can be one of these symptoms. In your arms, legs, or back, you can get pain that spontaneously develops with no injury.
Dr Yash Gulati, Senior Consultant, Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals shared his insights with Healthwire Media about the impact of Covid-19 on bones and joints of those tested positive earlier.
Can The Coronavirus Affect My Bones And Joints?
Though coronavirus is known to cause a long-lasting impact on vital organs like kidney and lungs, it has not been known to cause any permanent damage to the bones and joints. Also, corona induced Covid does not affect the bone directly but arthralgias which mean painful joints and myalgias which means painful muscles are not uncommon at all. No, specific treatment is required except simple painkillers and symptomatic treatment.
What Causes Post Covid Joint And Muscle Problems?
COVID-19 has an adverse impact on ones immunity more so high fevers are often followed by temporary muscle and joint aches. Typically in patients recovering from COVID 19, we have seen complaints of people having muscle pain rather than joint pains. But if you have an arthritic joint in your arm or leg, the virus may exaggerate the symptoms. The pain may be severe and limiting. The reason can be anti-inflammatory medicines taken to help control the fever brought in by the COVID virus.
Is It Safe To Exercise After Covid?
After recovering from COVID 19, we would only recommend breathing exercises for at least two more weeks, exhaustive workouts can wear you out easily and also might not be the safest. One can gradually return to elaborate workouts by scaling up their exercise routine one day at a time. As soon as pain is decreased or tolerable exercises should start and this will not cause any harm to the body
What Can I Do About My Joint And Muscle Problems?
- Stay physically active and follow a fitness program focusing on moderate exercise.
- Stretch before exercising to maintain a good range of motion in your joints.
- Keep your body weight within a healthy range. This will lessen stress on the joints.
It is important to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the joints within the limits of pain
