Viral Arthritis
What is it?
Viral arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that
is caused by a viral infection.
Who gets it?
Viral arthritis often occurs in children with common
childhood viral infections, but can also be experienced by
adults with viral illnesses.
What causes it?
Many viral infections can cause arthritis symptoms.
These include mumps, rubella, human parvovirus (5th
disease), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B,
and hepatitis C. Symptoms may also occur after receiving
the rubella immunization.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of viral arthritis include joint pain and
swelling. The symptoms last for the duration of the viral
infection, usually anywhere from several days to a couple
of weeks. Symptoms are usually mild and go away without
any lasting effects once the infection is gone.
How is it diagnosed?
Viral arthritis is diagnosed based upon your symptoms
and a physical examination. A blood test can also reveal
the presence of a virus.
What is the treatment?
Viral arthritis is treated with over-the-counter pain
relievers. Severe joint inflammation can be relieved by
removing fluid (called aspiration) from the joint.
Self-care tips
There is no known way to prevent viral arthritis. If
you, or your child, have symptoms of viral arthritis, get
plenty of rest and follow your doctor's advice for caring
for the viral infection that is causing the symptoms. See
your doctor if the arthritis symptoms do not go away after
a few weeks.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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