Joint Pain Months After Chikungunya or Viral Fever? What to Doचिकनगुनिया या वायरल बुखार के महीनों बाद भी जोड़ों में दर्द? क्या करें

Every monsoon and post-monsoon season, many people in Madhya Pradesh get chikungunya or other viral fevers. The fever goes in a few days, but for many patients joint pain and stiffness continue for weeks or even months.

Why does joint pain continue?

The chikungunya virus directly inflames the joints and tendons, and the immune response can continue after the virus is gone. Dengue and some other viral infections can also cause short-lived joint and muscle pain.

Typical features

• Pain in fingers, wrists, ankles and knees, often on both sides
• Severe morning stiffness; difficulty getting up from the floor
• Swelling of hands and feet, sometimes skin rash or darkening
• Pain that flares with cold weather or overwork

How long does it last?

Most people improve within 3 months. However, in some patients, especially those above 45 or with previous joint problems, symptoms last longer than 3 months. This is called chronic chikungunya arthritis and can behave like rheumatoid arthritis.

What helps

• Gentle range-of-motion exercises and warm water soaks for stiff hands
• Adequate rest, fluids and a balanced diet
• Anti-inflammatory medicines only as advised by a doctor. Avoid painkillers during active dengue because of bleeding risk.
• Avoid repeated steroid injections or "quick-relief" powders from unqualified practitioners