Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017 | 
Viral arthritis
Infectious arthritis - viral
Viral arthritis is swelling and irritation (inflammation) of a joint caused by a viral infection.
Causes
Arthritis may be a symptom of many virus-related illnesses. It usually disappears on its own without any lasting effects.
Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. A joint is the area where 2 bones meet. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis....
It may occur with:
- Enterovirus
- Dengue virus
-
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the liver due to infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Other types of viral hepatitis ...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article -
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a viral disease that leads to swelling (inflammation) of the liver. Other types of viral hepatitis include:Hepatitis AHepatitis BHepat...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Human parvovirus
-
Mumps
Mumps
Mumps is a contagious disease that leads to painful swelling of the salivary glands. The salivary glands produce saliva, a liquid that moistens food...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article -
Rubella
Rubella
Rubella, also known as the German measles, is an infection in which there is a rash on the skin. Congenital rubella is when a pregnant woman with rub...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Alphaviruses
- Cytomegalovirus
It may also occur after immunization with the rubella vaccine, which is typically given to children.
While many people are infected with these viruses or receive the rubella vaccine, only a few people develop arthritis. No risk factors are known.
Symptoms
The main symptoms are joint pain and swelling of 1 or more joints.
Swelling
Joint swelling is the buildup of fluid in the soft tissue surrounding the joint.
Exams and Tests
A physical examination shows joint inflammation . A blood test for viruses may be performed. In some cases, a small amount of fluid may be removed from the affected joint to determine the cause of the inflammation.
Physical examination
During a physical examination, a health care provider studies your body to determine if you do or do not have a physical problem. A physical examinat...
Treatment
Your health care provider may prescribe pain medicines to relieve discomfort. You may also be prescribed anti-inflammatory medicines.
If joint inflammation is severe, aspiration of fluid from the affected joint may relieve pain.
Aspiration
Aspiration means to draw in or out using a sucking motion. It has two meanings:Breathing in a foreign object (sucking food into the airway). A medic...
Outlook (Prognosis)
The outcome is usually good. Most viral arthritis disappears within several days or weeks when the virus-related disease goes away.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call for an appointment with your provider if arthritis symptoms last longer than a few weeks.
References
Ohl CA, Forster D. Infectious arthritis of native joints. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 105.
Vassilopoulos D, Calabrese LH. Rheumatologic aspects of viral infections. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Gabriel SE, et al, eds. Kelly's Textbook of Rheumatology . 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 110.
Review Date: 12/10/2015
Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
