Viral arthritis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

P Viral arthritis is swelling and irritation (inflammation) of a joint caused by a viral infection.

T Causes
P Arthritis may be a symptom of many virus-related illnesses. It usually disappears on its own without any lasting effects.
P It may occur with:
- Enterovirus
- Dengue virus
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Human parvovirus
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Alphaviruses
- Cytomegalovirus
P It may also occur after immunization with the rubella vaccine, which is typically given to children.
P While many people are infected with these viruses or receive the rubella vaccine, only a few people develop arthritis. No risk factors are known.

T Symptoms
P The main symptoms are joint pain and swelling of 1 or more joints.

T Exams and Tests
P 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.

T Treatment
P Your health care provider may prescribe pain medicines to relieve discomfort. You may also be prescribed anti-inflammatory medicines.
P If joint inflammation is severe, aspiration of fluid from the affected joint may relieve pain.

T Outlook (Prognosis)
P The outcome is usually good. Most viral arthritis disappears within several days or weeks when the virus-related disease goes away.

T When to Contact a Medical Professional
P Call for an appointment with your provider if arthritis symptoms last longer than a few weeks.

T Alternative Names
P Infectious arthritis - viral

T References
P 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.
P 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.

T Review Date 12/10/2015
P Updated 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.

