COVID-19 Quarantine Worsens Bone, Muscular and Joint Pain

New research suggests patients with joint, bone and muscle pain experienced a worsening of symptoms during COVID-related quarantine.

According to a recent study from the University of East Anglia, people with musculoskeletal pain cited intensified symptoms during government lockdown. The study, led by Dr. Toby Smith and Professor Alex MacGregor, reviewed online surveys of 678 citizens of the United Kingdom to assess how patients managed joint, bone and muscle pain during quarantine and how quarantine restrictions impacted their access to healthcare.

Dr. Smith and Professor MacGregor began the survey at the end of April 2020, just five weeks after the COVID lockdown. Traditionally, doctors prescribe medications and physical activity to manage bone, muscle and joint disease. The study found patients who experienced loneliness and social isolation were less likely to seek medical care.

The researchers also discovered:

• 53 percent of surveyed patients said their bone, joint and muscle issues had worsened since lockdown
• About 33 percent of the patients said they needed to visit their primary care physician or the rheumatology department at a hospital
• More than 88 percent of patients said they could access their medication without difficulty, but 44 percent needed assistance from others to access it.

“Our results show that the coronavirus pandemic is a major challenge to people’s health and wellbeing, both to young and older people,” said Dr. Toby Smith. “We wanted to know how the new restrictions might be affecting pain, and better understand who is most at risk of experiencing flare-ups, or reduced wellbeing due to social isolation and loneliness.”

Call Your Orthopedist

If you have had to cancel an appointment or procedure because of the COVID-19 quarantine, you should reschedule it as soon as possible.

According to GlobalData, more than eight out of ten musculoskeletal procedures have been postponed, canceled or delayed because of COVID. However, almost all surgery centers and orthopedic practices have resumed appointments and procedures. Has the pandemic affected your bone, joint or muscle pain? The remaining weeks of the year could be the perfect opportunity to schedule your procedure.

Call your doctor today about rescheduling your appointment, surgery or procedure. You can experience pain relief, increased mobility and more independence to do the activities you enjoy.