| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | Inflammation of the joints that results from a viral infection. |
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| Causes, incidence, and risk factors | Arthritis may be a symptom of many viral illnesses. The duration is usually short, and it usually disappears on its own without any lasting effects. It may be associated with mumps , rubella , human parvovirus, and Hepatitis B . It may also occur after immunization with rubella vaccine. This is a common form of childhood joint discomfort. |
| Symptoms | joint pain and joint swelling of one or more joints |
| Signs and tests | A physical examination shows joint inflammation . A serology for viral agents may be performed. |
| Treatment | Treatment is symptomatic with analgesics . If joint inflammation is severe, aspiration of fluid from the affected joint may relieve pain. In general, the arthritis is mild. |
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| Expectations (prognosis) | The outcome is usually good. Most arthritis disappears within several days to weeks with resolution of the viral illness. |
| Complications | There are usually no complications. |
| Calling your health care provider | Call for an appointment with your health care provider if arthritis symptoms persist continuously for longer than a few weeks. |
| Prevention | There is no known way to prevent viral arthritis. |
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