Common Symptoms of Myositis

Symptoms may develop gradually or suddenly and vary by type. Typical features include:

• Proximal muscle weakness (difficulty rising from a chair, climbing stairs, or lifting arms)
• Muscle pain, tenderness or cramping
• Fatigue and decreased endurance
• Skin changes in dermatomyositis (heliotrope rash, Gottron’s papules)
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing if throat or respiratory muscles are involved
• Progressive weakness in inclusion body myositis (often asymmetric, affecting finger flexors)

Causes & Risk Factors

Myositis is frequently immune-mediated; exact triggers vary. Contributing factors include:

• Autoimmune dysfunction: The immune system attacks muscle fibers.
• Genetic predisposition: Certain genes increase susceptibility.
• Infections or medications: Rarely, these can trigger myositis-like syndromes.
• Association with other autoimmune diseases: e.g., lupus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis.
• Paraneoplastic association: Dermatomyositis can be associated with underlying malignancy in adults.

Diagnosis of Myositis

Diagnosis combines clinical assessment with blood tests, imaging, electrophysiology and sometimes biopsy:

• Blood tests: elevated muscle enzymes (CK, aldolase), inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP)
• Autoantibody panels (myositis-specific and myositis-associated antibodies)
• Electromyography (EMG) to assess muscle electrical activity
• MRI of muscles to identify inflammation and guide biopsy
• Muscle biopsy — gold standard for definitive diagnosis in many cases
• Cancer screening where dermatomyositis is suspected in adults

Accurate subtyping (polymyositis, dermatomyositis, inclusion body myositis) is important for prognosis and treatment choice.

Treatment & Management of Myositis

Treatment aims to suppress inflammation, restore muscle strength, and manage complications. Typical strategies include:

• High-dose corticosteroids for initial control of inflammation
• Steroid-sparing immunosuppressants (methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate)
• IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) for refractory dermatomyositis or severe cases
• Rituximab or other biologics in selected, resistant cases
• Physiotherapy and graded exercise to rebuild strength and prevent contractures
• Supportive care — respiratory evaluation, speech/swallow therapy if bulbar muscles affected

Long-term follow-up is essential to monitor treatment response, medication side effects, and functional recovery.

Rehabilitation & Lifestyle Tips

Rehabilitation and self-care significantly improve outcomes in myositis:

• Regular, supervised exercise and physiotherapy to maintain mobility
• Balanced diet with adequate protein for muscle repair
• Avoid infections; timely vaccination advice from your clinician
• Energy conservation techniques and occupational therapy for daily tasks
• Regular monitoring of bone health when on long-term steroids

Why Choose Dr. Aditi Patankar Deshpande for Myositis Care?

Dr. Aditi Patankar Deshpande offers expert multidisciplinary care for myositis, combining advanced diagnostic evaluation with individualized treatment plans. With experience in inflammatory muscle diseases and access to specialist physiotherapy and supportive services, she focuses on reducing inflammation, restoring function, and improving long-term quality of life.