Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Sep 24, 2025 2 hours, 58 minutes ago
Medical News: Growing Concern Over Lingering Symptoms
A major new study has revealed that people recovering from COVID-19 continue to face serious musculoskeletal problems months and even years after infection. Researchers from Rama Medical College Hospital and Research Centre (India), PES University Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (India), MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences (India), Abasyn University Peshawar (Pakistan), University of Peshawar (Pakistan), Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College and Dental College (India), Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (India), Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals (Pakistan), CECOS University of IT and Emerging Sciences (Pakistan), and Hebron University (Palestine) worked together on this large systematic review and meta-analysis.
Long COVID Patients Face Alarming Rise in Muscle and Joint Problems
According to this
Medical News report, the findings highlight that muscle pain, joint pain, and muscle weakness are among the most common and stubborn after-effects of COVID-19. These symptoms are part of what doctors now call post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), or more simply, long COVID.
Muscle Pain Emerging as the Biggest Threat
The review, which combined data from 64 separate studies worldwide, showed that muscle pain is the most frequent issue faced by long COVID patients. About 28% of survivors reported ongoing muscle pain, and this number even increased to nearly 26% at the one-year mark. This means that more than one in four people who had COVID-19 still suffered from painful muscles a year later.
The researchers also discovered that these problems do not simply fade away with time. In fact, the persistence of pain months after infection suggests deeper issues with inflammation and immunity. Many patients have described their pain as severe enough to affect work, family life, and daily activities.
Joint Pain and Muscle Weakness
Joint pain was the next most common issue, with almost 15% of patients experiencing it long after infection. Unlike muscle pain, joint pain rates did not change much over time, meaning that once it begins, it may continue for months without significant relief. Muscle weakness was found in around 13% of patients. Although this was less frequent than muscle or joint pain, its impact on mobility, independence, and overall quality of life is often devastating.
Why This Matters for Patients and Doctors
The study stresses that these symptoms are not just minor discomforts. Persistent muscle and joint problems can stop people from working, exercising, or even doing simple daily tasks. Doctors are being urged to create targeted rehabilitation and treatment programs to help patients recover strength and function. Pain management, physiotherapy, and lifestyle changes may be critical in addressing these long-lasting complications.
The research also warns that the underlying causes of these musculoskeletal problems remain poorly understood. Inflammation, immune syste
m disruptions, and even vascular changes may all play a role. This highlights the urgent need for continued studies and the development of clearer treatment guidelines.
Moving Forward with Research and Care
As COVID-19 continues to evolve, the number of people affected by long-term musculoskeletal problems is expected to rise. Researchers believe healthcare systems must prepare by expanding long COVID clinics, offering rehabilitation services, and integrating mental health support for those struggling with chronic pain.
These findings are a stark reminder that COVID-19 is far more than a temporary infection. Its aftershocks continue to ripple through people’s lives, long after the virus has left their bodies.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Frontiers in Public Health.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1662953/full
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-triggers-muscle-breakdown-and-kidney-damage
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/malaysian-researchers-find-that-phytochemicals-from-acmella-plants-can-help-with-muscle-and-joint-disorders
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/long-covid-effects-on-muscles-and-post-exertional-fatigue
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