Long COVID and muscle pain: A complete guide

Overview

For some people with this condition, having had COVID-19, even a long time ago, can feel like a fresh trauma. Post-infection is where many of the aches and pains people put up with come from. A body that is healing is a different sort of body.

What is long COVID?

Some people whose symptoms persist more than 12 weeks after a COVID infection develop post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, known as long COVID. And it’s like that stubborn house guest who won’t leave—even after the virus is gone, your body continues to experience different symptoms.

Can long-term COVID cause muscle pain?

Certainly. Research shows as many as 40 percent of people with long COVID experience muscle pain, technically called myalgia. The virus can spur inflammation in multiple systems, including in muscle tissues, resulting in lingering angst and discomfort.

What does COVID myalgia feel like?

Imagine you have just finished doing an intense workout—without doing it actually. Our studies show that many people report:

• Deep, sharp pain radiating through their muscles
•  Pain that increases with activity, usually burning or pulsing in quality
•  Tightness, especially in the morning
•  Lasting fatigue that makes even mundane tasks difficult

What causes COVID body aches?

Body aches from COVID-19 are often linked to inflammation triggered by the immune system’s response to the virus. When your body fights off an infection, it releases chemicals that cause inflammation, which can lead to muscle soreness and stiffness. In some cases, this inflammation persists long after the initial infection, contributing to Long COVID muscle pain and body aches.

Does long COVID affect your muscles?

Yes. Many people with long COVID report ongoing muscle weakness, stiffness, and pain. This can make simple activities—like walking, standing for long periods, or even holding objects—more difficult. Some also experience post-exertional malaise (PEM), where physical activity leads to extreme exhaustion and worsened pain.

Does long COVID cause joint pain?

Yes, joint pain is a common symptom of long COVID. Many patients experience stiffness, swelling, and discomfort in the knees, shoulders, and other joints. This may be due to ongoing inflammation, changes in immune function, or even the impact of being less physically active during illness.

How long do COVID body aches last?

In most cases, people find that acute COVID-19 body aches will be gone in 2–3 weeks. However, in long COVID, muscle pain may still be experienced for months. Recovery times vary widely. Some people recover normal function in a few months, but many have symptoms for a year or longer. According to research, 30% of long-COVID patients continue to experience painful joints six months after their initial infection.

How do you manage muscle pain from COVID-19?

Managing long COVID muscle pain and body aches requires a multi-faceted approach:

Gentle movement & stretching

• Low-impact exercises like yoga, tai chi, or swimming can improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.
•  Avoid overexertion—pushing too hard can worsen symptoms.

Pain relief methods

• Over-the-counter pain relief medications can help reduce inflammation.
•  Hot and cold therapy: Warm compresses can relax muscles, while ice packs may reduce inflammation.

Nutrition & hydration

• Anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, turmeric, and leafy greens can help manage symptoms.
•  Stay hydrated to support muscle function and reduce cramping.

Rest & stress management

• Prioritise good sleep habits, as poor sleep can worsen muscle pain.
•  Practice stress reduction techniques, like meditation or deep breathing, to help calm the nervous system.

Supplements & alternative therapies

• Some people find relief with magnesium, vitamin D, or B vitamins, which support muscle health.
•  Acupuncture, massage, or physical therapy may help reduce pain and improve mobility.

Helpful strategies also include the following:

•  Gentle stretching and mobility
•  Staying hydrated and well-nourished
•  Sleep as a prelude to the next act
•  Therapy to heat-tighten muscles
•  Cryotherapy for controlling pain and swelling

Post-COVID leg pain

Some long COVID patients experience persistent leg pain, which may be due to:

•  Circulatory issues: COVID-19 can affect blood flow, leading to numbness or tingling in the legs.
•  Nerve involvement: Some patients develop neuropathy-like symptoms.
•  De-conditioning: Prolonged illness can lead to muscle weakness and tightness in the legs.

What to take for COVID body aches – Home remedies

You can also consider these home remedies, which have some supporting evidence:

•  Taking warm baths
•  Using essential oils (peppermint or eucalyptus)
•  Practices like gentle yoga or tai chi
•  Taking time each day to think about meditation and stress reduction
•  Good sleep hygiene
•  Engaging in some form of light physical activity

Note: This information is for educational purposes only. You should consult a medical practitioner before attempting home remedies to ensure they are safe for your specific condition.

Living with long COVID

In some cases, the muscle aches are just the start. Long COVID may leave you feeling fluey and achy all the time, as if your body is backfiring. Many of us have been debilitated by agonizing muscle suffering and begged for release. Doctors say that some long-haulers are struggling with such profound muscular issues that they are unable to walk. To relieve symptoms, they may require massive amounts of NSAIDs, whether in capsule form or as a lotion. Additionally, long COVID may cause:

• Tiredness that lasts indefinitely
•  Mental fog and difficulty thinking
•  Shortness of breath
•  Fluttering heart
•  Gastric distress
•  Inadequate sleep

Can long COVID be prevented?

There is no surefire way to prevent long COVID, but several studies imply the following: • Vaccination reduces the odds of getting it • Early clinical management of COVID-19 might help • Maintain your health via good eating, exercise, and other habits • Stress management and calmness • Appropriate sleep quality appears to be essential, especially during the initial infection stage

Getting oral antivirals

Oral antivirals and other prescribed medicines may help in the management of COVID-19. These treatments are most effective when started within 5 days of a positive diagnosis.

When to consult a doctor?

Get medical care if you have any of the following:

• Attacks of debilitating pain disrupting everyday life
•  New or worsening symptoms
•  Muscle pain accompanied by difficulty breathing
•  Loss of strength, or strange weakness or inability to move
•  Continuous pain that does not go away with home treatments and rest
•  Your pain is severe, worsening, or affecting daily life.
•  You have swelling, redness, or warmth in a specific area (this could indicate a blood clot).
•  You experience new neurological symptoms, like weakness, numbness, or coordination problems.

IMPORTANT: If you experience sudden chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, or signs of a stroke, call 000 immediately or visit the nearest Emergency Department.

How can telehealth help?

Telehealth services like Hola Health can be a valuable resource in your recovery journey. Here’s how:

1. Telehealth appointments: Speak with a online doctor or medical practitioner about your symptoms and get personalised advice on resuming exercise.
2. Online specialist referrals: If needed, doctors can refer you to specialists or rehabilitation programs.
3. Medical certificates online: Obtain a medical certificate to excuse you from work or physical activities if your recovery requires more time.
4. Online scripts: If eligible obtain COVID-19 antivirals, and online prescriptions for other medication.
5. Follow-up care: Schedule follow-ups to monitor your recovery and ensure you’re progressing safely.

Note: While telehealth is a convenient option for consultation and management, it is not a replacement for a physical examination. If a physical assessment is required for your diagnosis, your medical practitioner will advise you to see a GP in person.

Questions to ask the telehealth doctor

• Could my muscle pain be related to long COVID? • What tests (if any) should I take to rule out other conditions? • Are there medications or supplements that might help? • Should I see a physical therapist or a pain specialist? • How can I manage post-exertional malaise without making my symptoms worse?

Will I need to see a specialist for my long COVID symptoms?

It depends on your symptoms. Some long COVID patients benefit from seeing: • Rheumatologists (for joint pain and inflammation) • Neurologists (for nerve pain or weakness) • Physical therapists (for movement and strength issues) • Pain specialists (for chronic pain management) Note: Specialist services such as Rheumatology and Physiotherapy are not provided directly by Hola Health and are mentioned here for informational purposes only.

The road to recovery

Managing long COVID can be difficult, but knowing your symptoms and having a management plan can be crucial. Keep in mind that recovery is not always a straight trajectory; ups and downs are part of the process. Work with your health care team to help develop a treatment plan for your individual symptoms. Since treatments and knowledge about long COVID are still evolving, it’s important to stay updated with reliable medical resources. If you’re struggling, please reach out to a health care provider. It’s a process—sometimes a long one—but you’ve got plenty of support, like friends, family, and long COVID advocacy and research communities.