Musculoskeletal symptoms in COVID-19 survivors: A brief report on outcomes after 1 and 3 months of hospitalization

This study investigates persistent musculoskeletal symptoms in COVID-19 survivors, exploring their association with age, gender, corticosteroid use, and CRP levels. The goal was to assess muscle stiffness in hospitalized COVID-19 patients at 1 and 3 months post discharge. In this cohort study, 349 patients hospitalized from March 2022 to March 2023 were included. Musculoskeletal symptoms, including myalgia, arthralgia, back pain, neck pain, neuropathic pain, and fatigue, were assessed 1 and 3 months after discharge. During the 3-month follow-up, 20.1% of patients experienced at least one episode of musculoskeletal pain or fatigue. In the first month, fatigue (14%) and myalgia (7%) were the most common, while after 3 months, fatigue (2%) and myalgia (1.7%) remained the most prevalent. This study concludes that many COVID-19 survivors continue to experience musculoskeletal symptoms, particularly fatigue and muscle and joint pain, which may persist for months but gradually decrease over time. To improve recovery, an educational program should include guided physiotherapy, instructional videos on stretching and strengthening exercises, pain management workshops, and nutritional guidance. Integrating patient education into follow-up visits and providing digital resources, such as mobile apps or online platforms, could enhance self-management and long-term outcomes.