4. Muscle Pain: Chikungunya’s Debilitating Sidekick
When it rains, it pours, and with Chikungunya, after the joint pains come the muscle pains. It’s like the body is in a state of constant ache. Muscle pain or myalgia in Chikungunya is intense, often described as a deep-seated ache, almost like you’ve undergone an extreme workout session.
Muscle pain adds to the general feeling of malaise. You see, muscles are required for every movement, and when they ache, even a simple act like turning in bed can become a task. The most commonly affected regions include the back, neck, and extremities.
As the disease progresses and the body starts its fightback, the muscle pain begins to wane. However, the recovery phase can be slow, with individuals needing ample rest to regain their strength and muscle functionality. (4)