Myalgia
Overview
Myalgia, often known as muscle pain, is a frequent symptom among individuals seeking medical attention. Almost everyone will suffer muscular discomfort at some time in their lives. Among the most prevalent reasons include very high levels of effort, trauma, and viral infections. While many causes are harmless and self-limiting, myalgia may be a precursor to illnesses with severe morbidity.
A detailed physical examination and a careful assessment of the patient's history may generally restrict the number of probable causes of myalgia to a manageable handful. Selective testing may be required to detect or eliminate certain illnesses and to focus treatment in cases with persistent or severe myalgia with no known etiology.
It is important to differentiate myalgia from myopathy (muscle disease) and myositis (muscle inflammation). Although myopathy and myositis may cause myalgia, most individuals with myalgia have neither. It is also useful to separate diffuse from localized symptoms.