Viral arthritis is an acute form of arthritis because of a viral infection.
Many viruses have been linked to viral arthritis.
Treatments are generally directed at alleviating joint pain andinflammation.
Sebastian Kaulitzki/Science Photo Library/Getty Images
The resolution of the underlying infection will usually sort out the arthritis symptoms.
In some cases, there may be a rash similar to that seen inrheumatic diseases.
Viral arthritis also tends to manifest withpolyarthritis(arthritis in more than five joints).
Causes
Viruses can sometimes invade a joint during an infection.
Immune complexes help defensiveantibodiesbind to antigens but also trigger acute inflammation, causing joint pain and swelling.
Viral arthritis is the result.
Moreover, different viruses affect different organs and can manifest with a wide variety of symptoms.
Blood Tests
Viral arthritis is diagnosed with blood tests that confirm the underlying infection.
These may include:
Depending on the suspected cause, these and other tests may be performed.
Treatment
The treatment of viral arthritis focuses on symptom relief and the restoration of joint function.
Other prescription treatments may be delayed until more definitive results are obtained.
Physical therapymay help improve joint function in rare cases, like chikungunya infection, where joint symptoms are persistent.
Early diagnosis can help doctors dispense the appropriate treatment so that you are neither undertreated nor overtreated.
Marks M, Marks JL.Viral arthritis.Clin Med (Lond).
2016;16(2):129-34. doi:10.7861/clinmedicine.16-2-129
Tiwari V, Bergman MJ.Viral arthritis.
2016;10:129-40. doi:10.2174/1874312901610010129
Burrell CJ, Howard CR, Murphy FA.Viral syndromes.Fenner White Med Virol.
2017;2017: 537-56. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-375156-0.00039-4
