Why am I experiencing joint pain and muscle stiffness after viral fever?
-
Hello, I am a 36 years old male. I recently recovered from viral fever. Since then I have been experiencing joint pain and muscle stiffness. It happened to me last year also. Why does it happen?
-
@govind Hello, Arthritis is inflammation at the joints. So there is pain, swelling, and stiffness at joints. If this occurs during or following a viral infection, it is viral arthritis. Usually joints of the feet – ankles, toes, hands, wrists, knees are commonly affected. 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 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 cases the exact cause of the viral illness could not be identified. 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. Seek medical help if the problem persists beyond 6 weeks.