Post COVID Muscle Weakness Treatment

What is Post-Covid Muscle Weakness?

The acute phase of Covid-19 is majorly known to have a deteriorating impact on the functional capacity of the respiratory symptoms of the patients infected with the viral infection. However, Covid-19 is a multiorgan disease that can lead to long Covid 19 (post-Covid-19 syndrome) symptom onset lasting weeks to months after the disappearance of the primary covid symptoms, ultimately slowing down the post-Covid recovery process.

Several months after the Covid-19 infection, some people exhibit medium to long-term effects on multiple organ systems, especially the skeletal-muscle system. Since the skeletal muscles possess the ACE2 receptor (Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) to which the main viral component of Covid-19 binds leading to mild to moderate symptoms like muscular weakness, and exercise intolerance, myalgia, persistent fatigue, or joint pain.

Muscle Impacts of Covid-19

The body muscle mass is composed of 40% human weight and is a complex tissue whose numerous bundles of fiber (myofibers) are distributed in different parts of the body. The muscle fibers (myofibers) are crucial for performing mechanical activities by converting the chemical energy of the body into mechanical energy thereby enabling the muscles to carry out different body movements.

Research and observational studies suggest that almost around 45% suffer from post covid symptoms with the majority reporting having pain and loss of strength in muscles. Research published in Emergency Infectious Disease suggests that the condition Rhabdomyolysis prevails, and the muscle breakdown happens as a late side effect of viral covid infection. The breakdown of creatine kinase (the enzyme in the muscle cells that helps your body cells to do their jobs) is carried out in the bloodstream during the long covid syndrome consequently leading to weakened muscle mass.

What Causes Post Covid-19 Muscle Weakness?

Post covid-19 symptoms are frequently reported in the infected patients with coronavirus disease. The severity and high-risk factors for developing the post-covid-19 symptoms depend on the age group and other factors of the infected patients.

Hospitalized patients or critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care units, in an immobilized state for a long time are most prone to developing persistent symptoms of muscle pain. With the diminished oxygen supply and lack of nutrients in the body, the musculoskeletal system may lose a considerable amount of strength leading to chronic fatigue syndrome. A study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims that Rhabdomyolysis, the breakdown of muscle tissue, is a side effect in Covid-19 infected patients.

Certain medications administered in the treatment of the coronavirus disease can also leave side effects causing joint and muscle problems impairing the ability to sit up, walk, and even breathe properly.

Long Covid: The Symptoms and Tips for Recovery

We all know that the Covid-19 pandemic has left us with a lot of new and unexpected challenges, the post covid symptoms. One such challenge is post-Covid muscular weakness. This condition can leave you feeling weak, tired, and unsteady on your feet. If you are experiencing these symptoms, don't worry - you are not alone! In this blog post, we will discuss what steps you can take to improve your muscle strength and mobility.

7 Tips to Speed up Your Recovery from COVID Weakness

As we discussed that the initial infection of covid-19 can lead to prolong covid symptoms in many patients and have a significant impact on different organs and parts of the body. One such long covid symptom is the weakened strength of the muscle mass. How a person recovers from post covid lingering symptoms depends a lot on how fast and willing the patient is to make effort to return to a normal lifestyle.

The basic tips and tricks that a person can follow easily to recover from covid weakness are;

• Hydrate your Body

  

  The lack of sufficient fluid and nutrients in the body leads to muscle nerves and cells losing their strength and ability to perform normal functions. Dehydration leads water out of your tissues which in turn exacerbates the muscle and joint pains.

  Proper hydration is necessary for your muscles to get enough nutrients and to keep your joints and cartilages soft. It will provide maximum cushioning between your joints and minimize the chances of injuries

  Our body absorbs fluids better if we drink them paced at regular intervals rather than drinking a lot of fluid at once. Fluids like shakes, fresh juices, milk, water, or tea would be beneficial to regain muscle strength.

• Intake of Balanced Nutrition

  

  A well-balanced diet is essential for patients recovering from any serious illness especially covid-19. A proper diet plan should be made and followed to regain and enhance the overall strength of the body by supplementing the demand for essential nutrients of the body.

  Protein is very important for repairing and regaining the strength of the skeletal muscles. It stimulates muscle growth and prevents muscular cells breakdown. It is obtained from meat and eggs.

  High calories foods like wheat, whole grains, cereals, rice, fruits, and vegetables should be made a part of the daily intake. Such foods help not only in replenishing the energy deficit but also help reduce stress levels, and brain fog (having difficulty concentrating your mind on anything).

  Vitamin C and Zinc are the boosters of the immune system and help the body regain the capacity to fight off the lingering symptoms of post-covid-19.

  Multivitamin intake is another supplement for the body to replenish its physical stamina and improve skeletal muscle functions. They should be taken as per the recommendations of the prescriber and should be taken according to the schedule.

• Breathing Exercises

  

  If you are struggling with post-Covid muscular weakness, there are a few things you can do to help improve your symptoms. One of the best things you can do is to focus on your breathing. Taking deep, slow breaths can help to reduce fatigue and increase your energy levels. Breathing exercises are also a great way to relax your muscles, improve oxygenated blood flow to your muscles and reduce stress. To get started, try this simple breathing exercise:

  • Sit in a comfortable position with your back straight and your shoulders relaxed.
  • Place one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest.
  • Breathe in slowly through your nose, allowing your stomach to expand.
  • Count to four as you breathe in, then count to four as you breathe out.
  • Repeat this exercise for a few minutes each day.

• Light Physical Activity

  

  Rejuvenating the lost skeletal muscle strength depends on how quickly you manage to bring your body into movement. Exercise intolerance is one of the major muscle symptoms of post-covid-19 therefore, start with light physical activities and pace yourself and try not to over-exert yourself.

  Another great way to manage post-Covid muscle aches is to try some gentle yoga exercises. Yoga can help to improve your strength and flexibility, which can in turn help you to feel less fatigued and more able to do your daily activities.

  You can try to make initial steps like walking around the house for a few minutes, climbing the stairs, and stretching the muscles. Consider the time for your daily mild activity based on your stamina and energy levels.

• Physical Therapy

  

  If you are struggling to manage your post-Covid muscular weakness on your own, don't hesitate to reach out to a physical therapist for help. Physical therapists are experts in movement and exercise, and they can create a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals.

  Physical and occupational therapists can design a perfect mental and physical exercise plan according to the individual patients and depending on other symptoms. They will regularly check your vitals, oxygen levels, blood pressure, heart rate, and chest pain to avoid any more serious symptoms and keep you stable.

• Regular Sleep Cycle

  

  Observational studies suggest that most patients tend to recover quickly from any serious illness when they take enough daily sleep. Getting enough sleep is important for everyone, but it is especially important if you are struggling with post-Covid muscular weakness. When you sleep, your body gets a chance to rest and repair itself. This can help reduce fatigue, rejuvenate your nervous system, and improve your overall strength and energy levels.

  If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, there are a few things you can do to improve your sleep quality. Try to avoid caffeine and screens in the evening, establish a regular bedtime routine, and create a relaxing environment in your bedroom.

  Aim to get at least eight hours of sleep each night.

• Medication and Supplements

  

  Clinical practice and further research suggest that people who are given additional medications and supplements to boost their health and vitality tend to show better performance regarding neuromuscular involvement.

  Vitamin D is needed to improve bone health and immunity. Bone strength is inevitable for healthy muscle involvement. It can be generated naturally in the body by getting enough daily exposure to the sun or you can easily get your vitamin D supplement from your nearest pharmacy.

  Omega 3 fatty acids help fight off severe inflammation in the body during infections and in turn strengthen the body's immune system.

  Calcium supplements improve the calcium levels required for bone density. Weak bones lead to weak skeletal muscle movement and cause muscle pain.

  Probiotics are the food for the good strain of bacteria in our gut. A healthy gut is essential as they act as the first-line defense mechanism for our body and fights off most infections.

  Healthy bones, a healthy gut, and strong immunity are the basic requirements of a healthy body.

A Few Closing Thoughts

Covid-19 is a debilitating viral infection that has left the world to a standstill. With fewer studies available on the disease to the ever-developing strains and changing severity of the symptoms of covid, the world has never faced such a challenging situation before.

It is true and has been proven in numerous cases that covid-19 leaves the infected patient with post covid symptoms including deficiency in breathing, moving, or thinking. A person may find immense difficulty in coordinating his daily tasks. So, it is advised for the patients suffering from such post covid symptoms to approach a rehabilitation center, a physician, or a physical therapist to help develop and maintain a personalized plan to address the immediate challenges and enhance their health.

Get your Post Covid Muscle Weakness treated today!

Vitamid Infusion Center in El Paso, TX can offer health and care excellence to patients seeking relief from post-covid-19 muscular weakness. Our infusion therapy is skillfully and carefully formulated after clinical trials for the treatment of the common symptoms of long covid. Our team of health care providers takes great care in checking the natural history of patients with allergies and managing the treatment according to the age groups who might be at increased risk of severe symptoms of long covid.