Myositis treatment

Almost everyone is familiar with muscle pain. Muscle pain is most often defined by a doctor as myositis - an inflammatory disease that occurs with colds, infections, trauma, toxic and other effects on muscle fibers.

Myositis can affect any muscle groups, so it would be useful to clarify whether there are differences in the treatment of myositis of different localizations. Let's also consider the treatment of myositis at home using traditional medicine.

Treatment of neck myositis

Myositis of the neck can appear as a result of hypothermia or an infectious disease. Usually, muscles with myositis hurt when pressed, when turning the head, the pain is often concentrated closer to the cervical spine.

Treatment of myositis of the neck may include the following prescriptions:

• systemic treatment to relieve inflammation and muscle soreness. For this purpose, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for internal use are used (diclofenac, ibuprofen, nurofen, etc.). These drugs can be combined with injections of B vitamins: cyanocobalamin, pyridoxine, riboflavin;
• local therapy involves the use of ointments, creams, compresses and rubs. The most commonly used products are Voltaren, Fastum-gel, Diclofit and many others. Sometimes medicinal patches (Olfen) are used;
• massage procedures are an effective way to eliminate muscle spasms and inflammatory reactions. Massage movements accelerate blood flow, which helps to expel toxins accumulated as a result of the process from the inflamed area. Massage can be done at home or by contacting a specialist;
• Physiotherapy methods are the use of an anesthetic agent to introduce it directly into the inflamed tissues. This effect can be achieved by applying the effect of a magnetic field or electrical impulses.

Treatment of myositis of the back

Inflammation of the back muscles can occur as a result of exposure to cold, wind, draft. However, experts do not recommend treating myositis of the back on your own: there is too much chance that muscle pain can be caused by an infectious pathology, or associated with a pathology of the spine.

In order to start treating myositis of the back, it is necessary to first clarify the diagnosis with a doctor. Only after that will treatment procedures be prescribed. It may even be necessary to use antibiotics (if an infection is detected).

In addition, you may need physical therapy procedures, for which your doctor will prescribe you a referral.

Treatment after examination may include the use of topical painkillers to eliminate pain. Good results are achieved with viper or bee venom-based preparations (apizartron, viprosal), as well as ointments containing hot pepper extract or turpentine (espol, finalgon).

Treatment of myositis of the lumbar muscles

Inflammation of the lumbar muscles must be differentiated from kidney diseases (pyelonephritis and urolithiasis), pancreatitis and osteochondrosis of the spine. Therefore, before starting treatment, it is necessary to clarify the diagnosis with a specialist. Perhaps a comprehensive examination will be required, after which the treatment that you need will be prescribed.

The acute period of myositis of the lumbar muscles is easier to bear if bed rest is observed. Along with this, the doctor may prescribe the following treatment:

• analgesics, in particular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, diclofenac);
• physical therapy (electrostimulation sessions, cryotherapy);
• injection blockade by introducing novocaine and an auxiliary agent, most often a corticosteroid hormonal drug;
• manual therapy, massage procedures, hardware muscle traction, reflexology.

Treatment of myositis of the chest

Treatment of chest myositis begins with bed rest, especially if the patient has pain in moving or a fever.

If the pain is unbearable, it should first be relieved by using analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs. After that, drugs are prescribed that stop the main cause of the inflammatory process.

• Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs can be taken in tablets, injections, or as external ointments. This will relieve pain and muscle tension.
• The cause of the inflammatory process is eliminated with appropriate medications: parasitic inflammation should be treated with anthelmintic drugs, infectious inflammation with antibiotics, and for myositis that occurs against the background of autoimmune pathology, immunosuppressants and glucocorticoids are prescribed.
• Physiotherapy procedures – use of electrophoresis.
• Acupuncture, treatment with bees, leeches.

It is recommended to apply heat to the affected area, rub it with warming ointments, massage and knead it.

The chest should be protected from exposure to cold and drafts, even if you have already completed the course of treatment for myositis.

Treatment of myositis of the leg

As with any other form of myositis, treatment of myositis of the leg should be treated against the background of therapy of the underlying pathology, which may be the cause of the inflammatory process.

Basic measures for inflammation of the muscles in the leg:

• creating muscle rest: the patient should rest, taking a comfortable position that relaxes the leg muscles;
• for pain relief, injections of ketonal or voltaren are used; in mild cases, you can take tablets or limit yourself to ointments;
• External treatment is used at almost any degree of the inflammatory process. As a rule, these are warming ointments and preparations based on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (espol, dolobene-gel, diclac-gel);
• If myositis is caused by trauma, they often resort to the use of novocaine blockade with corticosteroids;
• if there is no pronounced swelling, heat and physical procedures are used;
• After the acute process has subsided, massage and reflexology sessions are prescribed.

Treatment of thigh myositis

Treatment of myositis of the hip is carried out with analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of tablets or injections. Such treatment gives a fairly quick effect, which is then maintained by the use of external agents - ointments and creams. Such drugs reduce tension and spasm of muscle fibers, restore trophism in tissues, and soothe pain.

With myositis of the thigh, it is more important than ever to stay in bed: the muscles need to relax and rest, and physical activity, of course, does not contribute to this. In addition, in this condition, even normal walking can cause unbearable pain at first. In advanced cases, it is possible to inject the affected muscle area with novocaine to relieve pain.

Often, acupuncture is used to relieve acute pain. This method relieves pain within a week.

If myositis is complicated by the development of a purulent process, antibiotic therapy may be required, and sometimes even surgery.

Treatment of myositis of the lower leg

Treatment of myositis of the lower leg primarily involves getting rid of the pain syndrome. Pain from inflammation of the muscles of the lower leg increases not only when walking, but also during sleep, in a calm state, and also with a sharp change in weather conditions.

The inflammatory process in the shin can be caused by prolonged load on the lower limb, so first of all, you should cancel any load on the shin and give the limb rest. Then you should use an anti-inflammatory ointment on the affected area, and take any of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs internally.

Patients who for some reason are contraindicated to use chemical medications may be recommended to undergo sessions of post-isometric relaxation (PIR). This method involves stretching muscles and ligaments and is one of the new varieties of manual therapy.

If myositis is caused by a shin injury, then in most cases the painful symptoms disappear on their own if the limb is given complete rest for several days. However, a severe injury requires mandatory treatment, since significant damage to muscle tissue can develop into necrosis.

Treatment of myositis of the gastrocnemius muscle

Pain in the calf muscles is not always associated with myositis; most often it occurs after prolonged and significant stress on the lower limbs: after long-distance running or cycling.

If the doctor has diagnosed myositis, then most likely you will have to temporarily stop training and putting stress on your leg.

Often, along with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving therapy (ketonal, diclofenac, nurofen), anticonvulsants (phenorelaxan, phenazepam) are used for myositis of the gastrocnemius muscle, and massage and physical therapy are also actively used.

Therapeutic exercise for myositis of the calf muscles is prescribed from the third or fourth day (at the doctor's discretion). Classes begin with light exercises, gradually increasing the load every day. Do not forget to warm up the muscles before each workout and avoid sudden movements.

Treatment of myositis of the hand

Treatment of myositis of the hand is often complex. If the pain is significant, acupuncture helps well: the effect can be noticeable from the first session. A protracted process is certainly treated longer.

The method of electrical muscle stimulation promotes rapid regeneration of muscle tissue and improves local blood circulation.

A relatively new method of treating myositis, pharma puncture, is becoming increasingly popular. This type of therapy involves the introduction of medications prescribed by a doctor into certain points. These can be vitamin or homeopathic remedies, biostimulants, etc. The duration of such treatment is from 2 to 15 sessions, which are held every day or 1-3 times a week.

Treatment of myositis of the shoulder

Myositis of the shoulder, like other inflammatory diseases, is treated with complex methods: anesthetics and anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy and kinesitherapy.

Kinesitherapy is a treatment using active and passive movements, that is, a kind of therapeutic gymnastics.

At home, treatment of shoulder myositis can be carried out using warming ointments and creams, which we will discuss below. Painkillers for complex internal use can be prescribed.

If the shoulder joint is affected along with the shoulder muscles, it becomes advisable to use natural chondroprotectors, as well as local massage effects.

Treatment of myositis in children

Children are often diagnosed with such a pathology as muscle inflammation. The difficulty is that parents are not always able to determine in a timely manner what exactly is bothering the baby. In this regard, pediatricians can prescribe incorrect treatment, which, of course, does not lead to a cure.

In childhood, myositis is most often formed as a result of hypothermia. For example, a child can easily catch myositis while playing in a draft or near an air conditioner.

Sometimes the reason for a child developing myositis may be discomfort during nighttime rest: an uncomfortable size of the crib, too big a pillow, too soft a mattress, as well as the location of the crib directly next to an open window.

Treatment of myositis in children can be delayed for the simple reason that a small child is simply unable to explain what is bothering him. Experts strongly recommend that parents monitor the condition of the baby. If it is noticeable that something is bothering the child, you should immediately contact a doctor.

Do not rush to use drugs used for adults to treat your child on your own. This may harm the child. Consult your doctor, he will advise you on the most effective and safe remedy for your baby.

To ease the child's condition before the doctor arrives, you can use a remedy suitable for children and consisting of natural ingredients - "Doctor Mom". The ointment is applied to clean skin of the painful area and wrapped in a warm scarf or shawl, up to 3 times a day. Try not to get the ointment in the baby's eyes when applying. After applying the ointment, you can use a light massage without excessive pressure and kneading.

Treatment of myositis during pregnancy

It is important to remember that not all medications can be used during pregnancy. Treatment of myositis during pregnancy should be prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the duration of pregnancy and the safety of a particular drug.

The safest way to use ointment is "Doctor Mom". It consists of natural components that do not have a negative impact on the course of pregnancy and the future baby.

As for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, their use during pregnancy is contraindicated. Among such prohibited drugs are ketorolac, ibuprofen, nimesulide, diclofenac, as well as analgin, baralgin, etc. The only non-steroidal analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug that is allowed to treat myositis during pregnancy is paracetamol. The active substance of this medication is able to penetrate to the fetus, but does not have a harmful effect on it.

Despite the fact that this drug is permitted, it should not be abused, and in case of severe pain syndrome, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

For muscle spasms, you can use No-shpa (drotaverine). This drug will have the expected antispasmodic and analgesic effect.

Ointments containing snake and bee venom (apizartron, viprosal), as well as dimexide, are also prohibited during pregnancy.

During pregnancy, massage and thermal procedures (dry heat) can be used to treat myositis without any concerns.

Treatment of chronic myositis

Chronic myositis is often a consequence of acute myositis or a result of a chronic infectious disease. Treatment of chronic myositis is often carried out at the time of exacerbation of the pathology.

In the treatment of chronic myositis, the same means are usually used as in acute myositis. The emphasis is on drugs that are necessary to eliminate the root cause of chronic pathology: these are means for the treatment of infectious, autoimmune or inflammatory processes in the body.

The effectiveness of such treatment is increased by the use of medicinal patches, in particular, the analgesic anti-inflammatory patch Nanoplast forte or Olfen.

Therapy for chronic myositis is usually supplemented by physiotherapy procedures, massage sessions, therapeutic exercises, and a special diet. Sanatorium and resort treatment is welcomed.

Treatment of infectious myositis

Treatment of infectious myositis must be carried out using antibacterial drugs, anesthetics, often with the use of surgical intervention and physical therapy. Surgical treatment is prescribed for purulent infectious myositis: the abscess is opened, necrotic tissue is excised (without damaging the demarcation ridge) followed by enzyme therapy and drainage.

Treatment procedures for infectious myositis should be comprehensive. Antibiotics are prescribed depending on the infectious agent, which may be staphylococci, streptococci, E. coli, etc. Antibiotics can be combined with other bactericidal drugs, for example, sulfanilamide agents.

Dry heat is applied locally.

In the treatment of advanced cases, the use of steroid drugs is often required.

After the acute infectious process has been stopped, therapeutic exercise, massage, physiotherapy and balneotherapy are recommended.

Treatment of ossifying myositis

Unfortunately, treatment of ossifying myositis does not bring the desired effect. The condition of individual patients can be alleviated by prescribing alternating courses of intravenous injections of calcium disodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.

Simple manifestations of the pathology are treated with the use of anti-inflammatory and antihistamine drugs, vitamins C and B.

In severe cases, intensive therapy methods are used, in particular, steroid hormones are used. Prednisolone-based drugs are preferable in this situation: they have fewer side effects than other steroids. Hyaluronidase may be used.

Treatment of ossifying myositis should be accompanied by therapy of the underlying disease: this may be the treatment of injuries or pathologies of the nervous system. In cases where ossificates seriously affect functionality, they are removed (surgery to extirpate calcareous areas).

Drugs for the treatment of myositis

First of all, let's consider systemic drugs for the treatment of myositis. These are drugs for internal and injection use.

1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs:
   • Movalis - used from the age of 15. Daily dosage - no more than 15 mg, standard - 7.5 mg;
   • celecoxib - used for adults at 100 mg twice a day, or 200 mg once a day;
   • nimesulide - orally 100 mg twice a day, if possible after meals. Daily dosage - maximum 400 mg;
   • etoricoxib - orally, once a day from 60 to 120 mg;
   • ibuprofen – use from 400 to 600 mg 2-3 times a day, daily dosage is a maximum of 2.4 g;
   • ketanov - orally 1 tablet every 5 hours. For elderly patients and those suffering from kidney disease, the dosage is obviously reduced;
   • diclofenac - intramuscular injections of 75 mg up to 2 times a day for acute myositis or exacerbation of the chronic form. The course of therapy is from 4 to 5 days;
   • Ketorolac - intramuscular injections of 10 to 30 mg every 5 hours. The daily dosage should not exceed 90 mg for an adult and 60 mg for the elderly;
   • indomethacin is an oral drug, taken after meals. The initial dose is 25 mg twice a day, then the dose can be gradually increased to 100-150 mg three times a day. In the chronic form of myositis, it is recommended to use indomethacin in injections (intramuscularly 60 mg from 1 to 2 times a day);
   • peroxicam – orally 10-30 mg once a day, or intramuscularly from 20 to 40 mg to relieve the acute period of inflammation.
2. Analgesics-antipyretics:
   • analgin - orally administered from 0.25 to 0.5 g up to 3 times a day, for children - from 5-10 mg per kilogram of weight up to 4 times a day. Intramuscularly - up to 2 ml of 50% solution, for children from 0.2 to 0.4 ml of 25% solution for every 10 kg of weight;
   • antipyrine – orally from 0.25 to 0.5 g up to 3 times a day;
   • myolgin – 1 to 2 capsules three times a day;
   • phenacetin – from 0.25 to 0.5 g up to 3 times a day. The maximum single dose is 0.5 g, per day – no more than 1.5 g;
   • paracetamol – adults are prescribed a maximum of 0.5-1 g three times a day, children – 60 mg per kilogram of weight in three doses.

What do you need to know about taking the above medications? Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics should not be used for more than 7-10 days, as such drugs can cause a lot of undesirable effects. One of the main complications after taking them can be damage to the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. This condition is accompanied by dyspepsia, and in complex cases leads to the formation of erosive and ulcerative processes.

For drugs that are used externally, in the form of ointments, the risk of unwanted consequences is significantly lower.

Treatment of myositis with ointments

Ointments that contain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are able to provide the maximum content of the active substance directly at the site of application. At the same time, the negative impact on the body is less pronounced than with oral administration of the drug. Among the disadvantages of such ointments is the fact that the components of the drug have different degrees of absorption from the surface of the skin. In addition, the drug may partially remain on clothing or be absorbed into the dressing material.

Gel preparations are absorbed into tissues better than ointments, so their systemic effect is more effective.

• Traumeel C is an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immunostimulating drug. It is used for relatively small areas of skin. The drug is rubbed in 3 to 5 times a day. It can be used with phono- and electrophoresis. The duration of therapy is from 2 to 4 weeks.
• Gevkamen is a distracting and pain-relieving ointment, used for external rubbing. Use 2-3 g of ointment up to 3 times a day. The duration of therapy depends on the form and severity of the inflammatory process.
• Mefenate is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory ointment, the therapeutic effect of which can last up to 20 hours. The ointment should be applied to painful areas of the skin with a special device, which is supplied in the kit, up to 3 times a day. It is allowed to apply the ointment under a bandage.
• Espol is a complex pain-relieving, warming, anti-inflammatory drug based on capsicum. The effect of the ointment is observed several minutes after application and lasts up to 2 hours. Espol is applied to clean skin up to 3 times a day.
• Fastum-gel is a ketoprofen-based preparation, it is applied in a thin layer up to 2 times a day to the painful area and gently rubbed in. The gel can be used in combination with phonophoresis or iontophoresis.
• Roztiran is an ointment based on essential oils of fir, eucalyptus, nutmeg, and menthol. The ointment can be used by both adults and children aged 2 years and older. Roztiran is applied up to 4 times a day, and the duration of treatment is up to five days.
• Turpentine ointment has a local irritant and anti-inflammatory effect and is used externally for rubbing.
• Deep Relief Gel 5% is a complex preparation based on ibuprofen and levomenthol. The gel should be applied to the painful area and rubbed in until completely absorbed into the skin. At least four hours should pass between rubbings. The course of rubbing is up to 10 days.
• Diclac gel is a drug based on diclofenac, effectively relieves swelling, pain and inflammation. A strip of up to 5-8 cm is applied to the skin up to 3 times a day. Treatment continues for 1-2 weeks.
• Diclofenac sodium gel 1% - domestic and cheaper analogue of Diclac gel. Can be used by children from 6 years. Duration of therapy up to 5 days.
• Dolaren-gel is an effective combination of sodium diclofenac and methyl salicylate. The gel perfectly penetrates the skin into the underlying tissues, it is recommended to use it up to 4 times a day for 10 days.
• Indovazin gel is a combination of indomethacin and troxevasin, which complement and enhance each other’s effect.
• Apizartron is an ointment based on bee venom, used up to 3 times a day until complete recovery. After applying the ointment, the affected area of the body should be warmly wrapped.
• Viprosal is an ointment that contains gyurza venom. The drug should be rubbed into the affected area up to 2 times a day. Duration of treatment is from 7 to 30 days.
• Vipratox is a liniment based on snake venom. The standard dosage is 5 to 10 ml of the preparation up to 2 times a day.

Drug treatment of myositis can be supplemented with other drugs: muscle relaxants, antispasmodics, antibiotics. The appropriateness of prescribing such drugs is determined by the doctor.

Treatment with any of the above mentioned products should be carried out taking into account the individual sensitivity of the organism. If you are prone to allergic reactions, it is recommended to first test the external product on a small area of skin, and only then proceed to full application of the preparation.

Treatment of myositis at home

Infectious, parasitic and toxic myositis are strongly discouraged from being treated at home. However, muscle inflammation that has appeared as a result of hypothermia or injury can be treated at home.

The first steps to recovery are resting the affected muscle and applying dry heat. You can simply wrap the affected area with a woolen scarf or apply a heating pad. In combination with a warming ointment, the effect will come quite quickly.

Of course, if the illness does not subside within a few days, you should still seek medical advice at the nearest clinic or emergency room.

What else can you do to treat myositis at home:

• take a fresh cabbage leaf, beat it a little with a rolling pin until it softens and apply it to the painful area, tying a scarf or warm shawl over the leaf;
• rub the sore area with homemade apple cider vinegar, and also take a drink made from the same vinegar with honey and cooled boiled water (a spoonful of vinegar, a spoonful of honey and 200 ml of water);
• make compresses from pork, badger or nutria fat with salt (100 g of base and a tablespoon of salt), wrapping it on top with cellophane or parchment and a warm scarf.

For successful treatment of myositis and general strengthening of the immune system and muscular system, it is necessary to adhere to certain principles of nutrition: forget about alcohol and smoking, do not get carried away with spicy and salty dishes. It is useful to periodically arrange fasting days on dairy products, porridges on water, vegetables and fruits.

Such small changes in nutrition will not only help in the treatment of myositis, but will also serve as a good prevention of the disease in the future.

Folk treatment of myositis

As we have already said above, an effective remedy for myositis is the application of dry heat. Traditional treatment of myositis suggests applying boiled "in their skins" potatoes wrapped in a towel, or rock salt heated in a frying pan, placed in a cloth bag and wrapped in a scarf as such heat treatments. The compress should be applied to the sore spot and kept until it cools completely. After this, remove the compress, and rub the affected area with vodka or herbal tincture and wrap it in a scarf. This procedure should be performed at least several times for a lasting result.

You can prepare a special warming ointment for myositis: take a chicken egg yolk, mix in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of turpentine. You can rub this ointment in at night and sleep wrapped in a warm scarf.

In case of uncomplicated myositis, applying an iodine mesh is very helpful: iodine is applied to the damaged area in the form of a mesh using a cotton swab and left until the preparation is completely absorbed. It is better to carry out this procedure at night.

Myositis is successfully treated with burdock leaves. Take burdock, pour boiling water over it and fix it with a scarf to the sore spot, preferably overnight. By morning the pain should subside.

Take 0.5 l of water at 45-50 °C, add 5-8 drops of laurel, eucalyptus, fir or sea buckthorn oil. Wet a woolen cloth in this solution and apply it as a compress to the painful area.

Take a teaspoon of homemade butter, soften it and mix it with a quarter of the same teaspoon of sponge. Rub the painful area before going to bed.

If you are not ready to follow complex recipes, you can simply apply natural honey to the area of skin affected by myositis. Massage with honey until it is almost completely absorbed into the skin. Then wash off the remaining honey with chamomile or St. John's wort tincture or other anti-inflammatory herbs. After the procedure, wrap yourself in a scarf.

If myositis occurs to you frequently, try to follow a few simple preventive rules:

• avoid drafts, dress according to the weather, do not overcool;
• do not allow your muscles to become overstrained, start your workouts with light warm-up exercises;
• treat colds and infectious diseases promptly;
• visit a massage parlor periodically and undergo a course of massage of problem areas;
• - harden yourself, take sun baths, relax in the fresh air.

Treatment of myositis should be carried out immediately after the first symptoms are detected to prevent the disease from becoming chronic.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ], [ 5 ], [ 6 ]