Thursday, October 19, 2023

Recovering from a Viral Fever: Coping with Joint Pains and Swelling | Dr Ashwani Kansal

 

 

Joint Pains & Swelling After A Viral Fever

 

With the recent epidemic of viral illnesses in our city, especially dengue, chikungunya, the number of people visiting the OPD with joint pains with or without joint swelling is on an acute rise.

 

What is viral arthritis?

Arthritis is inflammation at the joints. So there is pain, swelling, stiffness at joints. If this occurs during or following a viral infection, it is a viral arthritis. Usually joints of the feet – ankles, toes, hands, wrists, knees are commonly affected.

 

What are the viruses that can cause an arthritis?

A lot of viruses can trigger arthritis either by directly affecting the joints or by triggering our immunity to act against the joints. The most common viruses causing an arthritis include – Chikungunya, dengue, parvovirus B19 (especially in children), Hepatitis A, B and C, rubella and retroviruses. The recent viral epidemic in our city predominantly was due to either dengue or chikungunya, though in many the exact cause of the viral illness could not be identified.

 


How long does viral arthritis last?

Viral arthritis is usually self limiting and usually lasts for less than a week. But some patients can progress to a chronic stage where the joint inflammation or joint pains can continue for weeks, months or sometimes even years. This can impair a person’s activities of daily living.  Especially with Chikungunya, its been found in the past that 25% of patients with Chikungunya fever can have arthritis for 2 years also.

 

Who are at risk of developing long term viral arthritis?

The exact reason as to why only a few individuals develop long term viral arthritis is unknown. But it is known that women and people who smoke n lead unhealthy lifestyle and eat lot of junk food are at the highest risk of developing a long term arthritis following a viral infection.

 

What are the treatment options available for viral arthritis?

During the acute phase of illness, simple analgesics like paracetamol itself may be sufficient. More potent analgesics and sometimes low doses of steroids may be needed. For those who have a chronic arthritis, the possibility of a rheumatoid arthritis or any other cause of a chronic arthritis needs to be ruled out. Treatment of a chronic viral arthritis would include disease modifying agents that we usually give for rheumatoid arthritis.

Plenty of oral fluids, Naariyal paani ,fruits n milk and proper rest is beneficial .

Can Add Calcium , Vitamin D3 and antioxidants and levocarnitine for better improvement.

 

 


 

*DR.ASHWANI'S FAMILY CLINIC, 111 FF,CITY SQUARE, ACE CITY,NOIDA EXTENSION*

 

*DR.ASHWANI KANSAL*

MBBS, DFID (fellowship in Diabetes ,CMC Vellore)

M.Med ( Family Medicine, CMC Vellore)

PGCAT ( Thyroid )

PGDMH( Diploma in Mental Health, CMC Vellore)

Consultant  Physician N Diabetologist N Thyroid Specialist

Consultant Yatharth Superspeciality Hospital Omega 1, Greater Noida

Timings 6 pm to 9.00 pm 8826220044, 7303399370

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