Diarrhea and Sore Body: Causes and When It’s Serious

Key takeaways:

• Diarrhea and body soreness often appear together, typically due to infections, dietary issues, or other digestive disruptions.
• Recognizing additional symptoms like fever, chills, or aching joints can help identify the root cause and determine whether medical care is needed.
• Persistent or worsening symptoms may signal a more serious condition, making it important to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation.

Experiencing diarrhea along with a sore, achy body can be uncomfortable and disruptive, making even simple daily tasks challenging. Often, these symptoms signal an infection, inflammation, or digestive upset, but in some cases, they may be early indicators of a more serious condition.

Diarrhea typically involves frequent, loose stools, while body soreness can manifest as muscle pain, joint stiffness, or an overall feeling of fatigue and weakness.

This article explores the potential causes behind these combined symptoms, how to manage them at home, and when it’s essential to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Relationship between diarrhea and a sore body

Diarrhea and body aches often share a common cause, like an infection or inflammatory response, and the body’s natural reaction to these triggers can exacerbate both symptoms.

When fighting an infection, the immune system releases chemicals that create inflammation, leading to body aches (called myalgia) as a part of the healing process. Diarrhea, on the other hand, may occur as the digestive system tries to expel harmful bacteria or viruses, flushing out toxins in the process. However, this rapid fluid loss can lead to dehydration, which in turn can worsen feelings of muscle soreness, joint stiffness, and overall weakness.

Both symptoms can disrupt the body’s natural balance, creating a chain reaction that adds to the discomfort. For example, diarrhea can cause the body to lose electrolytes (key minerals like sodium and potassium), which may lead to cramping and worsen muscle aches. Knowing how diarrhea and body soreness relate can make it easier to recognize when these symptoms are likely to pass with rest and fluids or if a more serious underlying issue may be the cause.

Symptoms associated with diarrhea and a sore body

When diarrhea and body aches appear together, other accompanying symptoms can help identify the root cause. Here are some common symptoms that often coincide with diarrhea and body soreness, along with what they might indicate:

Sore throat

A sore throat is a frequent symptom of viral infections, such as influenza, which can trigger both diarrhea and body aches. Inflammation in the throat can signal the body’s immune response, with other symptoms like congestion or coughing adding to the overall discomfort.

Chills

Chills, or shivering, can be the body’s way of raising its temperature to fight an infection. They’re often accompanied by fever, which is common with bacterial or viral infections. Chills may occur alongside sweating, fatigue, and other flu-like symptoms, making it helpful to monitor temperature changes when diarrhea and soreness are present.

Fever

Fever is a natural response to infection, as it helps the body combat bacteria or viruses by creating an environment less favorable for these pathogens.

When fever accompanies diarrhea, it can indicate that the immune system is actively fighting an infection, whether viral or bacterial. Fevers over 100.4°F (38°C) with diarrhea may suggest a more severe infection that needs attention.

Joint pain

Joint pain, especially when accompanied by diarrhea, may indicate an inflammatory condition or systemic infection.

For instance, viral gastroenteritis (often referred to as the stomach flu) can cause both digestive upset and achy joints. Autoimmune conditions like Crohn’s disease and lupus may also lead to joint pain alongside digestive symptoms.

Fatigue and weakness (without fever)

While fever is a typical immune response, fatigue and weakness can also occur without it, especially if dehydration is involved.

Persistent diarrhea can lead to electrolyte imbalances that make the body feel drained. This type of fatigue may also occur with food intolerances, digestive upsets, or milder viral infections.

Causes of diarrhea and a sore body

Several factors can lead to both diarrhea and body aches. Here are some common causes:

Viral infections (including COVID-19)

Viruses, such as those causing the flu or COVID-19, are frequent triggers of both diarrhea and body aches.

These infections can affect multiple systems, leading to symptoms like sore muscles, fever, chills, and digestive upset. COVID-19, in particular, has been linked with both respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, so monitoring for symptoms like cough or loss of taste and smell can be important.

Bacterial infections

Bacterial infections, such as Salmonella or E. coli contamination from food, are leading causes of food poisoning and can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, and general body soreness.

These bacteria enter the body through contaminated food or water, often leading to symptoms within hours of exposure. Severe cases may require antibiotics, so it’s wise to stay alert to worsening symptoms, like bloody stools or high fever.

Food sensitivities & intolerances

People with food sensitivities, such as lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity, may experience digestive upset and muscle soreness following exposure to certain foods. In these cases, symptoms like diarrhea and body aches arise as the body struggles to process these substances. Eliminating trigger foods can reduce discomfort for those with known intolerances.

Autoimmune conditions

Chronic autoimmune diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, may also cause diarrhea and body aches during flare-ups.

These conditions create inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to long-term digestive symptoms and joint or muscle pain. Working with a healthcare provider to manage these conditions is essential, as they often require specialized treatments to reduce inflammation and control symptoms.

Read our guides on types of diarrhea and causes of diarrhea.

Treatment options for diarrhea and a sore body

While mild cases of diarrhea and body aches may improve with home care, several treatments can help alleviate symptoms and provide relief:

Rest and hydration

Getting plenty of rest is key when you’re experiencing body aches along with digestive upset, as it allows your body to direct energy toward healing.

Staying hydrated by drinking water, clear broths, and electrolyte solutions (like sports drinks or rehydration solutions) also helps prevent dehydration. Replenishing electrolytes (important minerals like sodium and potassium) can help your body manage weakness and reduce muscle soreness.

Over-the-counter pain relievers

Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage muscle pain and reduce inflammation.

It’s important to use these medications according to package instructions and be cautious if diarrhea persists, as prolonged use can irritate the stomach.

Heating pads or warm bath

Applying a heating pad to sore muscles or soaking in a warm bath can relieve body aches and help muscles relax.

Heat therapy can be especially helpful for reducing discomfort in the lower back, legs, or abdomen, where soreness from dehydration and inflammation may be felt most acutely.

When to see a doctor about diarrhea and a sore body

While mild cases often resolve on their own, there are times when medical attention is necessary:

You should see a doctor if:

• Symptoms persist beyond 3-4 days with little to no improvement.
• Diarrhea and body aches are accompanied by intense fatigue or ongoing weakness.
• Unexplained weight loss, small amounts of blood in the stool, or early signs of dehydration (like dry mouth or dizziness) are present.

You should go to the emergency room if:

• Fever spikes above 103°F (39.4°C) or doesn’t respond to home treatments.
• Stool contains a significant amount of blood or appears black and tarry, which may indicate a more serious issue requiring prompt evaluation.
• Severe abdominal pain, confusion, or signs of advanced dehydration (such as confusion or a rapid heart rate) develop, as these may signal complications from dehydration or infection.

Questions to ask your doctor about diarrhea and a sore body

Asking the right questions can help you understand your symptoms better and plan for recovery. Here are some useful questions to consider:

• Could certain foods, stress, or medications be contributing to my symptoms?
• Are there tests you’d recommend to determine the exact cause?
• What treatment options are best suited for managing both diarrhea and body soreness?
• Are there lifestyle or dietary changes I can make to prevent similar symptoms in the future?

Frequently asked questions: diarrhea and a sore body

Here are some answers to common questions related to these symptoms:

What should you eat or drink if you have diarrhea and an achy or sore body?

A bland diet (often referred to as the BRAT diet, which includes bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) can help reduce digestive stress while providing easy-to-digest nourishment.

Sipping on water, herbal teas, and electrolyte drinks also helps rehydrate and replace minerals lost through diarrhea.

What if you’re pregnant and experiencing diarrhea and a sore body?

Pregnant individuals should consult their healthcare provider if diarrhea and body aches persist, as dehydration can be harmful.

A doctor may suggest adjustments to diet and hydration routines or other remedies to support both mother and baby’s health.

What if you’ve had diarrhea and a sore body for a week or more?

Symptoms lasting a week or more should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Extended symptoms could indicate an underlying infection, autoimmune flare-up, or nutritional deficiency that may require specific treatment.

Managing diarrhea and a sore throat

Managing diarrhea and a sore body can be challenging, but understanding the causes and knowing how to care for yourself can make a significant difference in your comfort and recovery. Simple actions—like drinking fluids with electrolytes, eating bland foods, and taking time to rest—often bring relief and help you bounce back.

If your symptoms persist or start worsening, reaching out to a healthcare provider for guidance is a smart step. Catching potential issues early on can prevent complications, allowing you to focus on feeling better and getting back to daily activities with a healthy digestive system and strong body.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Lane Thaut, DO.

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