1. Take Steroid and Immunosuppressant Medications
Corticosteroids, most often prednisone, are used to treat myositis, a chronic autoimmune inflammatory condition in which your muscles are weakened. Steroid drugs can reduce inflammation throughout your body and slow down your immune system's response, so it will not attack itself. Methotrexate is an immunosuppressant medication that is also prescribed to slow down the inflammatory attacks on your muscles. These drugs are available for use orally or intravenously when treating myositis.
2. Find Pain Relief With NSAIDs
Speak to your doctor about relieving the muscle and joint pain that you experience with non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, including naproxen, ibuprofen and aspirin. NSAIDs, as this class of drug is commonly called, are widely available in over-the-counter strengths at most drugstores, mass merchandisers and supermarkets. Check with your doctor if you have a history of stomach problems, as NSAIDs can sometimes upset your stomach. She may be able to recommend an alternative treatment for pain relief.
3. Consider Blood-Product Infusions
For reasons that are still unknown to medical professionals, infusions of immune globulin intravenous (IGIV) may treat myositis successfully if your body is resistant to other medications. IGIV is a blood product that derives from plasma. This expensive treatment must be monitored very carefully. If the IGIV is infused too quickly, you could experience a variety of unpleasant side effects, including fevers, chills, backaches and even meningitis.
4. Stay Active
Physical therapy is an important element to include when treating your myositis. Though you may feel very weak and achy, stretching your muscles will ultimately help you recover and cope with your condition. Wait until you have started on a course of medication and are feeling better before you begin a physical-therapy program. Your therapist will tailor a program to your individual needs, based on how your body responds to treatment and your overall abilities.
5. Use Vitamins and Supplements
You may benefit from vitamins and supplements that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Flaxseed and fish oils are natural anti-inflammatories, and are available at health-food stores and natural-living centers. Vitamins C and E act as antioxidants, and can be taken in through your diet or in the form of vitamin pills. Use supplements only with your doctor's consent.
