top of page

Inflammatory Myositis Care in Blue Ash & Cincinnati

Medically reviewed by Tara J. Adhikari, MD, FACR, board-certified rheumatologist · Last reviewed October 2026

Inflammatory myositis is a group of autoimmune diseases in which the immune system attacks the muscles. The main types are dermatomyositis, polymyositis, immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy and antisynthetase syndrome. Myositis is rare, and early treatment gives the best chance of regaining strength.

Common symptoms

  • Weakness in the hips, thighs, shoulders and upper arms

  • Trouble climbing stairs, rising from a chair or lifting your arms over your head

  • Muscle aches or tiredness

  • In dermatomyositis, a purple or red rash on the eyelids, knuckles, chest or back

  • Trouble swallowing, shortness of breath or a dry cough

How we diagnose myositis

We check muscle strength on exam and order blood tests drawn in our office, including muscle enzymes (such as CK) and myositis-specific antibodies. We may arrange an MRI, nerve and muscle testing (EMG) or a muscle biopsy, and screen the lungs and heart.

How we treat myositis

  • Steroids to bring inflammation under control quickly

  • Immune-calming medications to keep it controlled and lower steroid doses

  • IVIG or other infusion therapies in our on-site infusion suite when needed

  • Physical therapy to rebuild strength

  • Regular strength checks, lab monitoring and age-appropriate cancer screening, which is recommended for some types of myositis

Common questions

Is muscle pain from statins myositis?

Usually not. Most statin muscle aches go away when the drug is stopped. Rarely, statins trigger an autoimmune myositis that needs specialist care.

Will I get my strength back?

Many patients regain much or all of their strength with treatment and therapy, especially when it starts early.

Schedule an appointment

Call (513) 991-9990. Cincy Arthritis, 9403 Kenwood Rd, Suite C-100, Blue Ash, OH 45242. Mon–Thu 7:30am–4pm, Fri 7:30am–2pm.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Please talk with your doctor about your symptoms.

bottom of page