• First-line treatment for reducing inflammation
• Prednisone is commonly prescribed
• Often given in high doses initially, then gradually reduced
• Can cause significant long-term effects like osteoporosis and weight gain

• Methotrexate, azathioprine, and mycophenolate mofetil
• Help reduce steroid dosage and related side effects
• May take several months to show maximum benefit
• Can be used to decrease the need for steroids

• Rituximab, which targets B-cells involved in the immune response
• Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for severe or resistant cases
• Particularly effective in treating resistant forms of myositis
• Targeted therapies showing promise in clinical trials

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of myositis treatment, providing:

• Build or maintain strength
• Prevent muscle shrinking
• Improve movement and flexibility
• Manage daily tasks with less strain
• Should be tailored to each patient; overexertion can exacerbate symptoms

Myositis is a rare group of diseases that cause inflammation in the muscles. Some forms also affect connective tissue. It can lead to muscle weakness, pain and fatigue. The word myositis means “muscle inflammation” (myo = muscle, itis = inflammation). It can affect anyone, though some types are more common in certain age groups.

Types include polymyositis (PM), which causes weakness in the muscles closest to the center of the body, such as the hips and shoulders; dermatomyositis (DM), which is similar to polymyositis but also includes a skin rash, sometimes a purple discoloration around the eyes called a heliotrope rash; inclusion body myositis (IBM), the most common type in older adults, which causes slow, progressive and asymmetrical weakness, particularly in the wrist and finger flexors and the quadriceps; immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), a more severe type with fast muscle cell damage; and juvenile myositis, which affects children, especially in the form of juvenile dermatomyositis.

Common symptoms include weakness in the shoulders, hips or neck; trouble climbing stairs, standing up or lifting arms; muscle pain or tenderness; and feeling tired or unwell. In more advanced cases, people may have difficulty swallowing or muscle atrophy (wasting). People with dermatomyositis may also have a rash on the face, knuckles, elbows, knees or chest.

The exact cause isn’t always known, but myositis is often linked to the immune system attacking healthy muscle tissue. Possible triggers include genetics, viral infections, certain medications, environmental exposures and other autoimmune diseases.

Treatment typically aims to reduce inflammation, preserve muscle function and manage symptoms. It’s tailored to each patient’s type and severity of myositis and may include steroids, immunosuppressants, biologic therapies and physical therapy.

Ongoing care includes regular check-ins and tests to see how treatment is working and to adjust it as needed. This may include strength testing, blood tests to check muscle enzymes, monitoring for side effects, treatment plan reviews, muscle biopsies, electromyography (EMG) and MRIs.

Some myositis treatments require infusions or injections. Options include at-home care, where nurses come to your home; infusion centers staffed by trained nurses for more complex care needs; and self-treatment, where some people learn to administer medication under the skin for more control over their schedule.

Soleo Health offers personalized care for people with myositis and other autoimmune conditions.

Our team works closely with your providers to create a care plan that fits your needs. Call 833.234.1010 or contact us with questions.