Joint Pains and Covid 19

Dr Manuj Wadhwa
DOUBTS TO BE CLEARED:
Can joint pains be caused due to COVID-19?
Do you need to get a COVID test done ,if you suddenly develop fatigue, joint pains and muscle aches without any other evident COVID -19 symptom?
Can joint pains still bother you even after recovery from COVID-19?
The answer to all these questions is -YES
COVID -19 – The biggest challenge
Coronavirus has created a havocand a global health crisis. Lockdowns, quarantine, social distancing ,masks, PPE kits, sanitizers, oxygen are the most frequently used and heard words in this so called New normal COVID era .With the emergence of newer mutations the spectrum of disease has expanded significantly involving multiple organs.Clinical manifestations of the disease are also varied in different individuals.Many of the symptoms of the coronavirus mimic the typical symptoms of a viral infection or flu syndrome with muscle aches(myalgias) or Joint pains (Arthralgia)
Common symptomslike fatigue ,fever, cough, sore ,throat, running nose, headache, loss of smell and taste, vomiting, diarrhea, foggy brain, muscle aches-hip,knee,shoulder,neck pain and joint pains are being observed in patients testing positive for COVID.
In some patients COVID related joint pain occur 3-4 weeks after recovery from COVID -19. At this stage other symptoms seen in early phase of COVID like fever, coughare no longer there. In post-Covid patients it indicates an autoimmune attack on joints leading to inflammation.
Corona virus can cause permanent damage to some vital organs like lungs, heart, brain ,kidney and can worsen existing arthritis but no long term effects or damage to bones and joints has been reported yet.
Some patients may also experience muscle aches as a side effect of the COVID – 19vaccine. These are usually temporary and resolve after a few days.
Staying fit VS Corona
At the rate with which the Pandemic is engulfing human lives, it definitely has taught us a lesson that being healthy and fit in life is of utmost importance.
A few remedies and measures that can be takenat home to relieve joint pains:
* Keep a check on your weightthat otherwise causes excessive stress on your joints
* Exercise regularly and stay active- doing low impact and stretching exerciseslike walking,cycling,yoga can help improve joint and muscle strength.
* Maintain right postures. Avoid sedentary lifestyle.
* Ice, heat, rest :
* ApplyIce – to relieve pain and swelling 15-20 mins several times a day.
* Heat- heating pad can relieve the muscle spasm around the joint.
* Rest-Do not over exert and give rest to the joint when needed.
* RICE treatment method(rest, ice, compression and elevation) is beneficial to manage joint inflammations
* Over-the-counter medications :NSAIDS- non steroidal anti inflammatory like aspirin,ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophenor paracetamolare helpful . Topical treatmentcan be used for local applicationto relieve pain.
* Diet and Vitamins : Take a well balanced and a wholesome diet. Include green leafy vegetables, ginger, turmeric to boost your immunity. Also include fruits, nuts, berries and seeds in your diet.Take multivitamins and antioxidantsas per the advice of doctor. Avoid eating oily and processed foods, sweets, spices, aerated drinks. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake.
* Keep well hydrated : Drink a lot of water
* Consult your doctor :
* If symptoms worsen or there is no relief
*After 3 months also you are still experiencing muscle and joint pains
* Joint swelling
* Increasing weakness or numbness
It’s time for all of us to contribute in this war against the deadly virus by abiding to all the COVID norms, vaccinate ourselves and our families to break the chain of COVID spread in the community.
(The author is Chairman & Executive Director Elite Institutes of Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement PARAS Hospitals Panchkula/ SHALBY, IVY Hospitals Mohali)