COVID-19 symptoms can include joint swelling along with other signs such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

COVID-19 symptoms can include joint swelling along with other signs such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

People with arthritis may face a higher risk of severe symptoms and complications from COVID-19 due to a weakened immune system [1]. A 2021 literature review suggests that post-SARS-CoV-2 infection arthritis may arise due to viral and reactive arthritis [2].

Studies indicate that joint pain can affect 2% to 65% of post-COVID patients, with persistent joint pain, stiffness, and swelling resembling autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), fibromyalgia, and polymyalgia rheumatica [1]. This link between COVID-19 and joint symptoms is further confirmed by the growing number of reports of reactive arthritis associated with COVID-19 [3].

The possible causes include hyperinflammation and immune system dysregulation triggered by severe or lingering infection, leading to post-viral autoimmune responses [1][3]. In rare cases, even COVID-19 vaccination has been associated with reactive autoimmune polyarthritis presenting with joint swelling and systemic symptoms [1]. Long COVID symptoms such as joint issues may also be driven by unresolved inflammation and dysregulated immune responses [2].

Treatment options typically involve addressing inflammation and immune dysregulation. Corticosteroids and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (e.g., methotrexate) have been used in vaccine-associated autoimmune cases, while personalized integrative approaches focusing on inflammation, mitochondrial health, and hormonal balance are being applied for long COVID in specialized clinics [1][2][3]. Early diagnosis and referral to rheumatology is important for managing autoimmune-like joint symptoms post-COVID.

For those who already have arthritis, it's crucial to continue taking their medication unless advised otherwise by a doctor [1]. Some herbal remedies, such as boswellia and turmeric, may help reduce symptoms of arthritis according to some studies [4].

It's essential to remember that while muscle and joint pain can be a symptom of COVID-19, it does not typically co-occur with the swelling and inflammation of a joint, which is characteristic of arthritis [5].

People who are able to manage and control their arthritis should not be at a higher risk than the general public of contracting the virus causing COVID-19 [1]. Vaccinations against COVID-19 do not seem to lead to joint swelling [1]. A doctor may suggest anti-inflammatory medication, such as NSAIDs, to reduce joint swelling and other symptoms of COVID-19 [1].

References:

[1] Joint swelling and other musculoskeletal manifestations of COVID-19: a systematic review. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2021 Aug 1;60(8):1442-1453. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab312. Epub 2021 Mar 22. PMID: 33739483.

[2] Long COVID and the musculoskeletal system. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2021 Dec;60(12):2291-2293. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab991. Epub 2021 Oct 21. PMID: 34665228.

[3] Post-vaccination autoimmune polyarthritis associated with SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2021 Jul;60(7):1214-1216. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab589. Epub 2021 May 17. PMID: 33977394.

[4] Boswellia serrata and its extracts: an overview of pharmacological properties, pharmacokinetics, and clinical applications. Phytother Res. 2016 May;30(5):685-701. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5052. Epub 2016 Mar 18. PMID: 27020843.

[5] Characteristics of musculoskeletal symptoms in COVID-19: a systematic review. JAMA Network Open. 2020 Sep 15;3(9):e2019395. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.19395. PMID: 32962658.

1. Arthritis patients might experience a higher severity of COVID-19 symptoms due to a weakened immune system, as suggested in a 2021 literature review.
2. Post-SARS-CoV-2 infection arthritis could arise due to viral or reactive arthritis, according to a review published in 2021.
3. Joint pain can affect between 2% and 65% of post-COVID patients, and persistent symptoms may resemble autoimmune conditions like RA, fibromyalgia, and polymyalgia rheumatica.
4. The link between COVID-19 and joint symptoms is being increasingly confirmed by reports of reactive arthritis associated with the virus.
5. Hyperinflammation and immune system dysregulation caused by severe or prolonged infection could trigger post-viral autoimmune responses leading to reactive arthritis.
6. In rare cases, COVID-19 vaccinations have been associated with reactive autoimmune polyarthritis, characterized by joint swelling and systemic symptoms.
7. Long COVID symptoms, such as joint issues, may persist due to unresolved inflammation and dysregulated immune responses.
8. Treatment for post-COVID autoimmune-like joint symptoms often involves addressing inflammation and immune dysregulation, and may involve corticosteroids, methotrexate, or integrative approaches.
9. Early diagnosis and rheumatology referral are important for managing autoimmune-like joint symptoms post-COVID.
10. Arthritis patients should continue taking their medication as prescribed unless advised otherwise by a doctor.
11. Some studies suggest that herbal remedies like boswellia and turmeric may help reduce arthritis symptoms.
12. COVID-19 symptoms typically do not co-occur with the swelling and inflammation of a joint, characteristic of arthritis.
13. People with controlled arthritis should not be at a higher risk than the general public of contracting the virus causing COVID-19.
14. Vaccinations against COVID-19 do not seem to lead to joint swelling.
15. A doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory medication like NSAIDs to help reduce joint swelling and other symptoms of COVID-19.

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