COVID risk on bone health:
COVID primarily is a respiratory disease and affects the lungs the most. The most common symptoms of COVID, even in new mutations are cough, sore throat, fever, and shortness of breath which again directly impacts the respiratory system. But there have been reported symptoms of fatigue, joint and bone pain, and worsened symptoms after little physical or mental exertion in long COVID.
What are the symptoms experienced after COVID?
These symptoms can stay for many months or years after recovering from COVID. Some people who already have conditions like arthritis, experience heightened levels of pain in their joints. Following COVID-19, reactive arthritis may develop. Reactive arthritis brought on by COVID-19 presents the same as regular arthritis. When it comes to long COVID, the knee has been the most painful joint. Patients even complained of enthesitis, and inflammatory lower back pain.
What causes the problems in bones?
Dr. Rajeev Verma, HOD and consultant - Joint Replacement and Orthopaedics, HCMCT Manipal Hospitals, Dwarka says, “There are a few reasons for this musculoskeletal pain. First, direct viral toxicity, endothelial cell damage and dysregulation of the immune response lead to exaggerated inflammation leading to muscular pain. Second, the muscular pain and long recovery time of COVID may cause stiffness and immobility in the joints that eventually end up causing joint pains.”
How long does the pain last normally?
Most COVID-related joint problems and pain go away with adequate recovery but for some people, it shows signs of permanent long term damage. Some cases have also been diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis after their brush with COVID-19.
Post COVID joint pain must be taken seriously
Inflammatory conditions in the body can occur due to some viral infections and in this case, inflammatory arthritis can onset a condition that may persist even after COVID is gone. If you or somebody you know is experiencing severe joint pain then they must find out if it is COVID related or a new ailment.
The takeaway:
Dr. Verma advises, “After recovering from COVID they should keep their muscles and joints moving by moderately stretching and working out. A sedentary lifestyle hurts the body even without any infection, so patients must maintain at least 15-30 minutes of physical activity each day. Other than that a cold and hot compress and adequate rest can help in reducing inflammation in the joints and eventually subside the pain.”
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