Viral Arthritis and Ankle Pain: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Viral arthritis is a condition that may occur along with a viral infection. Viral arthritis may affect one or more joints, including the ankles.

Causes

• Viral arthritis may occur along with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, human parvovirus, mumps or rubella. Children may experience viral arthritis after getting the rubella vaccination.

Effects

• The virus effects the joint by either invading the synovium, or lining, of the joint, or the virus can cause the body's own immune system to attack the joint.

Symptoms

• Viral arthritis is associated with pain, stiffness and swelling in one or more joints. The ankle is one such joint that may be affected.

Time Frame

• Viral arthritis usually resolves itself within days or a few weeks at most. In severe cases, the condition may last for months.

Treatment

• Viral arthritis may be treated with over-the-counter or prescription pain medicines. If swelling is severe, the physician may drain fluid from the affected area.