Myositis refers to any condition that causes muscle inflammation.
Polymyositis and dermatomyositis
are the two of the most common types. Polymyositis causes muscle weakness in both sides of the body, usually in the hips, thighs, shoulders, upper arms and neck.
What is the most common type of myositis?
Myositis refers to any condition that causes muscle inflammation.
Polymyositis and dermatomyositis
are the two of the most common types. Polymyositis causes muscle weakness in both sides of the body, usually in the hips, thighs, shoulders, upper arms and neck.
What is the difference between myositis and polymyositis?
Myositis means inflammation of the muscles that you use to move your body. An injury, infection, or autoimmune disease can cause it. Two specific kinds are polymyositis and dermatomyositis. Polymyositis causes
muscle weakness
, usually in the muscles closest to the trunk of your body.
How many myositis are there?
Inflammatory myopathies take a number of forms, including dermatomyositis, polymyositis, and inclusion-body myositis (IBM). The exact number of people affected by myositis is unknown, but estimates show
about 50,000
in the US living with the disease.
How long can you live with myositis?
More than 95 percent of those with DM, PM, and NM are still alive
more than five years after diagnosis
. Many experience only one period of acute illness in their lifetime; others struggle with symptoms for years. One of the biggest problems in treating myositis is obtaining an accurate diagnosis.
What triggers myositis?
Myositis refers to any condition causing inflammation in muscles. Weakness, swelling, and pain are the most common myositis symptoms. Myositis causes include
infection, injury, autoimmune conditions, and drug side effects
.
How do I know if I have myositis?
Myositis usually begins gradually, but can take a variety of forms. Sometimes the first sign is
an unusual rash
. Sometimes patients may start to trip or fall more frequently. Other signs include muscle weakness and pain, intense fatigue, and trouble climbing stairs or reaching over the head.
Who gets myositis?
Anyone can get myositis
, but it usually affects women more than men. Adults between the ages of 30 and 60, and children between the ages of 5 and 15 are more likely to get myositis.
Does myositis go away?
Like other rheumatic diseases,
myositis is unlikely to go away on its own
. But with proper treatment and management these chronic diseases can be brought under control. At present there is no cure for myositis. A person with myositis will need to manage the condition and to adjust to the changes it brings.
Is myositis a rare disease?
Myositis is a
rare muscle disease
that affects between 50,000 and 75,000 individuals in the US. By definition, any disease affecting fewer than 200,000 people is considered rare. But myositis is one of more than 7,000 rare diseases that collectively affect more than 30 million people in this country.
How do I get rid of myositis?
The first choice of treatment of myositis is
steroids
, which are usually given in high doses to begin with. Steroids can be given as tablets or injections. They should reduce the inflammation quickly, settle muscle pain and the feeling of being unwell.
Does cold weather affect myositis?
Getting around is already difficult with a cane, walker, or wheelchair;
cold, icy weather makes it worse
. Winter weather can also cause isolation for people with myositis who face challenges when traveling outdoors.
What does myositis rash look like?
The rash looks
patchy, dark, and reddish or purple
. It is most often found on the eyelids, cheeks, nose, back, upper chest, elbows, knees, and knuckles. While the rash of dermatomyositis may be the first sign of the disease, those with darker skin may not notice the rash as readily.
What does myositis pain feel like?
muscle
weakness
.
aching or painful muscles and feeling very tired
. finding it hard to sit up, or stand after a fall. swallowing problems, or finding it hard to hold your head up.
Is myositis curable?
As of now,
there is no cure for myositis
. However, management of the disease is critical in order to reduce inflammation caused by myositis and to prevent muscle weakness from progressing. Further, your doctor will recommend lifestyle changes so you can restore your strength.
Does exercise help myositis?
While exercise will not “cure” myositis,
it may help mediate certain aspects of the disease
. Exercise can increase muscle strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular status, as well as improve your psychological well being.
