Did you know that joint pain is also a symptom of COVID-19? It has been found that COVID-19 causes joint pain in some people. So, what is the link? And how can it be treated? Learn all about the connection between joint pain and COVID-19 in this article. Log on to www.doralhw.org for a consultation.

Joint Pain and COVID-19: the link

It has been found that joint pain and COVID-19 share a connection especially if you suffer from long-term COVID-19. It has been found that coronavirus infection can cause pain in muscles and joints, in some cases. However, if you have an arthritic joint in your arm or leg, the virus may aggravate the symptoms which can be severe and limiting.

Experts also found that COVID-19 can trigger reactive arthritis in some cases, which is usually common after bacterial infections of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or genitourinary system. It is found after SARS-CoV-2 infection, your body overreacts to an infection and attacks healthy tissue in your joints which triggers reactive arthritis. The exact cause is still unknown, it is believed that the virus may temporarily suppress the immune system, which leads to an increase of molecules such as interleukin in your blood that are linked with the development of arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. It is more common in people with the HLA-B27 gene. Current evidence shows that reactive arthritis may develop in 1 to 4 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection, which is typically rare.

It is found that in some cases, without any arthritis COVID-19 causes joint pain. Mostly it occurs with long-term COVID-19 and scientists believe it happens due to inflammation. It can cause acute or chronic joint pain. A 2021 study states that joint pain is the most common symptom of COVID-19, rising to around 15% of people with COVID-19.

A study in the Journal of Pain Research states that joint pain may be found more in people with severe COVID-19. Unlike other pain symptoms, such as muscle pain, experts are not sure about the connection between joint pain and COVID-19. Some evidence indicates that coronavirus can cause inflammatory arthritis in some people but not everyone. A 2020 study suggests that COVID-19 might cause joint pain by triggering more generic inflammatory mechanisms.

All the studies show that COVID-19 can cause joint pain in some people. The cause still can’t be understood well for now, that’s why ongoing research is taking place.

Treatment and management

If your joint pain is caused by reactive arthritis due to COVID-19 infection, then researchers recommend NSAIDs as the first-line treatment. In the March 2023 review of studies, 54 people were treated with these common NSAIDs for 5 to 42 days, including:

• Etoricoxib
• Celecoxib
• Indomethacin
• Naproxen
• Ibuprofen

Other treatment options include steroid injections like prednisolone and methylprednisolone or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as sulfasalazine.

However, in case your joint pain is caused due to long-term COVID-19. Then, the doctor may prescribe over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications such as ibuprofen and paracetamol. Scientists are still searching for the best ways to treat joint pain from COVID-19.

As an individual, you can try certain things to manage joint pain at home. It includes:

• Stretching
• Yoga
• Tai chi
• Climbing stairs
• Working with resistance bands
• Gardening
• Cycling
• Walking uphill

Besides these physical activities, you can also try:

• Plan your need to do activities that day.
• Find different ways to relax, if possible.
• Take part in regular exercise, depending on how much your body can handle.
• Talk with your loved ones
• Do things you enjoy

It is not clear how, but COVID-19 causes joint pain in some people. Researchers have many theories that might lead to joint pain. Due to a lack of information, there is no specific treatment to treat joint pain caused by COVID-19. You can take over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, to relieve your pain and discomfort. To improve your symptoms at home, you can try some physical activities like walking uphill, cycling, stretching, yoga, etc.

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Your pain needs professional assistance, visit our pain management clinic in Brooklyn today or call to get a consultation. The location at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212 is well-served by public transportation, including many bus routes, and the subway line. Visit our website at http://www.painmanagementbrooklyn.com/ or contact us on +1-347-384-5690 for additional details.