What Are the Signs of Lupus?
4. Muscle Pain
Unfortunately, people suffering from lupus must cope with chronic muscle pain. Generalized pain in the muscles, known as myalgia, is caused by inflammation in other parts of the body. This phenomenon is similar to the achy feeling that accompanies influenza and serves as an indicator that the body as a whole is under attack. It can give people a general feeling of malaise and fatigue.
Myalgia can be contrasted with myositis, which is inflammation of a specific muscle. All skeletal muscles are at risk, but muscle groups commonly affected are those of the shoulders and neck, thighs and pelvis, and upper arms. In extreme cases, patients are unable to perform simple tasks such as getting out of bed or raising their arms above their heads. Extreme pain and lack of mobility can cause loss of muscle mass, which further exacerbates the problem.
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