Protocolo diagnóstico de las mialgias

Abstract

Myalgia, or muscle pain, is a common complaint among the adult population. Diffuse myalgias are more frequent than localized myalgias. Excessive physical effort, trauma, medications, and viral infections are among the most common causes. Myalgias are most often benign, but in a certain percentage of cases, they are the symptom of muscle disease (myopathy) or muscle inflammation (myositis). Myaglias caused by a primary muscle disorder are generally triggered with exercise and are accompanied by other signs/symptoms. In patients with carbohydrate metabolism disorders, muscle symptoms are triggered by brief isometric exercise or less intense, sustained dynamic exercise and can cause cramps and recurrent myoglobinuria. In lipid metabolism disorders, the symptoms tend to be induced by infections, fever, prolonged or intense exercise, and prolonged fasting. These patients do not develop true muscle cramps or contractures and do not experience the phenomenon known as “second wind.”