How Long Does Viral Arthritis Last and What are Its Symptoms?

Viral Arthritis Symptoms

Pain. Most patients that have the condition experience mild to severe pain within the affected joints. The pain worsens when the affected joints are moved.
Swelling. Patients can observe that the affected area will swell and turn larger than usual. The swelling generally affects the joints in the area but there are times wherein nearby tissues will be affected, too.
Stiffness of the joints that usually affect the wrists, knees, ankles, and hands.
Heat. When touched, patients will feel that the affected area is warmer compared to the rest of the body.
Fever. Just like any viral infection, having viral arthritis can cause fever that is often low-grade and within the 100 degrees Fahrenheit mark.
Chills and shaking. The virus can also cause chills that make the patient shake uncontrollably.
Besides fever and chills, other flu-like symptoms will appear, including headache, sore throat, coughs, loss of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting.
Red rashes can occur in children having the condition.

Some of the symptoms may vary depending on the type of virus that had caused the infection.

The outcome of the infection is usually good and will not create further complications.
Since it is a viral infection, generally, it will last days to a few weeks. But there are times wherein the flu-like symptoms will disappear but the pain and swelling of the joints remain if the treatment done is not directed to the affected area.
It is best for patients to consult a doctor when the pain and the swelling in the joints or arthritis symptoms will not disappear for longer periods of time.

Aspiration will be done for severe swelling or inflammation of the joints. This process will suck out the fluid that have accumulated in the joints and, thus, relieve pain and swelling.
Hot and cold packs can be placed on the affected joints to relieve symptoms. Hot baths can also help in controlling pain and swelling.
Cat’s claw, astragalus, Echinacea, and Asian ginseng are some of the herbs that can be taken. These help the body fight off the viral infection. These also boost the body’s immune system.
Doctors will usually advise patients to have proper rest which can help build up the immune system and fight the viral infection off.