4. Muscle Pain
Muscle pain and joint aches are also common for a range of different conditions that are associated with infections of some kind. This is once again due to the creation of pro-inflammatory cytokines that cause swelling in the joints and muscle, leading to pain. At the same time, increased stress hormones like cortisol actually increase our acuity when it comes to sensing pain – so you might notice that historic pains and injuries start to ‘flare-up’.
Muscle pain can also occur along with tiredness, fatigue, and lethargy – all consequences of the body being drained while fighting infection. Note that muscle pain is not considered a useful characterization in diagnosing malaria. It cannot tell us anything about the condition on its own but is useful when assessed in conjunction with other symptoms.