Word parts
What it means
Pain in one or many muscles. It is common after hard exercise, with viral infections such as influenza, and in fibromyalgiafy-broh-my-AL-juhA long-term condition of widespread pain and tenderness in the muscles and soft tissues, with no damage to the joints.fibr/o fiber (connective tissue)my/o muscle-algia painFull entry . Some drugs cause it, most importantly statins (cholesterol drugs), where severe muscle pain with weakness and dark urine can mean muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis).
For the nurse
Teach clients taking statins to report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, especially with dark urine.
At a glance
| Everyday words | muscle aches |
|---|---|
| Spanish | mialgia |
| Also written | myalgias |
Related terms
influenza
An infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by influenza viruses; the flu.
fibromyalgia
A long-term condition of widespread pain and tenderness in the muscles and soft tissues, with no damage to the joints.