Inflammatory Myositis

What is Inflammatory Myositis?

Inflammatory myositis refers to a group of rare autoimmune diseases that cause inflammation and weakness in the muscles. The condition can affect various muscle groups, leading to pain, stiffness, and difficulty performing everyday tasks. Inflammatory myositis can be classified into different types, such as polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and inclusion body myositis, each with distinct symptoms and treatment approaches. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing the disease and improving quality of life.

What Causes Inflammatory Myositis

Inflammatory myositis is typically caused by an autoimmune response, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the muscles. Common causes and contributing factors include:

  • Autoimmune reactions: The body's immune system attacks its own muscle tissues, leading to inflammation and muscle weakness.

  • Genetic predisposition: Certain genetic factors may increase the likelihood of developing inflammatory myositis.

  • Infections: Some viral or bacterial infections can trigger an immune response that leads to muscle inflammation.

  • Medications: Certain drugs, such as statins, can cause muscle inflammation as a side effect, potentially leading to a condition resembling myositis.

  • Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental triggers, such as chemicals or viruses, can also play a role in the development of inflammatory myositis.

  • Age-related risk: Inflammatory myositis can affect individuals of all ages but is more commonly diagnosed in adults, especially those between 30 and 60 years old.

Symptoms of Inflammatory Myositis

Inflammatory myositis symptoms are often focused around the muscles and may include:

  • Muscle Weakness: The most common symptom, where muscles feel weak, especially in the hips, shoulders, and thighs, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.

  • Pain and Stiffness: Muscular pain and stiffness, particularly after activity, can occur, making movement uncomfortable.

  • Fatigue: Many people with inflammatory myositis experience extreme tiredness, which may interfere with daily activities.

  • Difficulty Swallowing or Breathing: In some cases, muscle weakness can extend to the muscles involved in swallowing or breathing, making these activities difficult.

  • Skin Changes: In conditions like dermatomyositis, a red or purple rash may appear on the skin, particularly on the face, neck, chest, and upper back.

Inflammatory Myositis Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing inflammatory myositis. As we age, the body's immune system may become less efficient at distinguishing between harmful invaders and healthy tissue, increasing the risk of autoimmune conditions like inflammatory myositis. Family history and genetic predisposition can also play a significant role, as some people are more likely to develop autoimmune diseases. Occupations or hobbies that involve strenuous physical activity or overuse of certain muscles—such as heavy lifting, repetitive motions, or intense exercise—can trigger the onset of muscle inflammation. Additionally, infections or exposure to certain drugs or chemicals may increase the likelihood of developing the condition.

Inflammatory Myositis Treatment Options

Treatment options for inflammatory myositis focus on reducing inflammation, improving muscle strength, and managing symptoms to enhance quality of life.

  • Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing physical activity and resting the affected muscles can help minimize strain and inflammation.

  • Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants are commonly used to reduce muscle inflammation and manage symptoms.

  • Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can develop a tailored exercise program to help restore muscle strength, improve flexibility, and manage weakness.

  • Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG): For severe cases, IVIG therapy may be used to modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation.

  • Plasmapheresis: In some cases, this procedure may be used to filter out harmful antibodies from the blood, helping to manage autoimmune flare-ups.

  • Assistive Devices: Tools such as braces or splints can provide support and reduce strain on affected muscles.

  • Surgery: In rare cases, if muscle weakness significantly impairs function, surgical intervention may be considered to address complications such as tendon ruptures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Inflammatory Myositis

There is no cure for inflammatory myositis, but treatment can manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and improve muscle strength. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to improving quality of life.

 

7 Convenient Houston Locations

Bellaire

4747 Bellaire Blvd. Ste. 150
Bellaire, TX 77401
Phone: (281) 315-8130
Fax: (281) 315-8131
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Cleveland

314 South San Jacinto Ave
Cleveland, TX 77327
Phone: (936) 571-0508
Fax: (281) 763-2706
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Conroe

506 Medical Center Blvd. Ste. 100
Conroe, TX 77304
Phone: (936)-571-0508
Fax: (281) 763-2706
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Cypress

27700 Northwest Fwy. Ste. 580
Cypress, TX 77433
Phone (346) 345-2400
Fax (346) 345-2401
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Houston

522 Timberdale Ln.Houston, TX 77090

Phone: (281) 315-8130
Fax: (281) 315-8131
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Huntsville

130 Medical Center Pkwy. Ste. 5
Huntsville, TX 77340
Phone: (936) 571-0508
Fax: (281) 763-2706
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

The Woodlands

9319 Pinecroft Dr. Ste. 100 & 210
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Phone: (346) 345-2400
Fax: (346) 345-2401
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM