Why am I suffering from joint pains after viral fever?
Head of the Department of Medicine and Chief of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology Services,
All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi Consultant Rheumatologist, 'A&R Clinic'
Visiting Sr. Consultant, Rheumatologist, ISIC Superspeciality Hospital, New Delhi.
Q: I am a 20 years old female experiencing pain in my hands, foot phalanges and ankle joint. I was diagnosed with viral fever a month and a half back and I am feeling the pain since then. Now I am unable to walk properly particularly in the morning. Am I suffering from rheumatoid arthritis?
A:Post viral arthritis is becoming very common these days. There are several viruses that can cause this condition. Occasionally this condition can become quite crippling and may last for several weeks. But, these features may also herald the onset of rheumatoid athritis.Therefore, my strong advice would be that you immediately contact an experienced and well-trained RHEUMATOLOGIST (NOT Orthopaedic surgeon as they are not trained in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of systemic inflammatory rheumatic diseases) to first get your disease properly diagnosed and then advice you appropriate treatment.