Health Encyclopedia

Viral arthritis

Definition

Viral arthritis is inflammation of the joints that results from a viral infection.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Arthritis may be a symptom of many virus-related illnesses. It usually disappears on its own without any lasting effects.

It may be associated with mumps, rubella, human parvovirus, and Hepatitis B.

It may also occur after immunization with rubella vaccine. This is a common form of childhood joint discomfort.

Symptoms

The main symptom are joint pain and joint swelling of one or more joints.

Signs and tests

A physical examination shows joint inflammation. A serology for viral agents may be performed.

Treatment

Your doctor may prescribe pain medicines to relieve discomfort.

If joint inflammation is severe, aspiration of fluid from the affected joint may relieve pain.

Expectations (prognosis)

The outcome is usually good. Most viral arthritis disappears within several days to weeks when the underlying virus-related disease goes away.

Complications

There are usually no complications.

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if arthritis symptoms persist continuously for longer than a few weeks.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent viral arthritis.

Review Date:4/27/2007
Reviewed By:Steve Lee, DO, Rheumatology Fellow, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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