Viral arthritis causes joint pain, swelling, and weakness due to the immune system’s response to a viral infection. It can resolve on its own, but anti-inflammatory medication and rest may be recommended. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to drain infected fluid. Recurrent cases can cause permanent joint damage.
Viral arthritis is a form of arthritis caused by infection with a virus. Like other forms of arthritis, this condition is characterized by joint pain, swelling, and weakness. It often resolves on its own, although there are some treatment options to make patients more comfortable and to reduce the risk of long-term damage from a bout of viral arthritis. This condition is particularly common in children, but can appear at any age.
Many people have noticed that some types of viral infections are accompanied by joint pain. Joint pain is caused by the immune system’s reaction to the virus, with certain compounds leaking into the synovial fluid surrounding the joints and causing aches and pains. In viral arthritis, the joints become inflamed due to the immune response and the pain becomes more persistent and severe.
In some cases, viral arthritis accompanies an infection, making it easy to identify, and treatment for the infection usually resolves the arthritis as well. Other cases may arise after an infection has been successfully treated and cleared. A doctor can diagnose arthritis in a patient interview, where the patient can mention the recent viral infection and the doctor can confirm that the problem is viral arthritis. This condition can also arise as a response to some vaccines, especially rubella.
Mild cases of viral arthritis can run their course. However, a doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation and swelling to keep the patient more comfortable, and pain relievers may also be recommended. The patient may also be encouraged to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and eat well to support the body as it heals. After the arthritis is gone, stretching and gentle exercises can help resolve lingering stiffness in the joints.
In rare cases, the synovial fluid actually becomes infected, requiring surgery to drain the infected fluid. When viral arthritis becomes septic, the patient may notice that the joints feel unusually painful, warm, or stiff, and may appear red and inflamed. A doctor can take a sample of the fluid to check for infection and decide whether or not the fluid needs to be drained.
Patients should be aware that this condition can sometimes cause permanent joint damage, especially if it is recurrent, and can develop into a chronic form of arthritis. For this reason it is important to take care of your body during your recovery.
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