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Muscle pains/aches are called myalgias.
In lupus, myalgias are most frequently located in the muscles
between the elbow & neck, and the knee & hip, myalgias are
rarely associated with weakness.
Inflammation of the muscles (myositis) is observed in approx 15%
of SLE patients.
Symptoms of myositis are pain, muscle weakness, & muscles that
are tender to touch.
Myositis is diagnosed by a blood test called CPK (creatine phosphokinase),
& can also be diagnosed by EMG & muscle biopsy.
The muscles normally affected by myositis are the neck, thighs,
shoulders & upper arms).
Also, weakness of the hands, wrists, ankles & feet can occur
because of nerve damage caused by inflammation.
Myositis requires steroid therapy, as muscle inflammation may cause
permanent muscle weakness & atrophy (wasting) if not treated.
Muscle aches experienced by lupus patients can also be caused by
the condition 'fibromyalgia'.
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