What is the term for inflammation affecting many muscles often due to infection?

The term for inflammation affecting many muscles is polymyositis. This condition specifically refers to the simultaneous inflammation of multiple muscle groups, which can be caused by various factors, including infections, autoimmune diseases, or other underlying health issues. In polymyositis, patients often experience muscle weakness and pain due to damage to the muscle fibers and inflammation.

Myositis generally refers to inflammation of muscle tissue but does not specify that it affects multiple muscles. It can occur in a more localized manner. Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone rather than muscle and is unrelated to muscle inflammation. Paraplegia refers to paralysis that affects the lower half of the body and is not directly related to inflammation of muscles. Thus, when focusing on the definition and context of muscle inflammation affecting various muscle groups, polymyositis is the correct and most appropriate term.