Dr Tariq Jagnarine
Fam Med, Endocrinology/Diabetes
Many conditions can cause joint pain, but not all conditions would affect all the joints at once. Sudden and widespread joint pain can result from infections, inflammatory diseases, and complications of some health conditions.
The treatment for this symptom would depend on what is causing the symptom. Some causes do not require medical intervention, while others do. People should consult a doctor for a diagnosis, and to discuss the best way to manage the pain.
Causes
• Flu
Flu is a common infectious illness that is developed through influenza viruses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unlike cold symptoms, flu symptoms can begin suddenly, and one symptom includes muscle or body aches that can be severe.
Flu typically gets better on its own in a few days’ time, or in less than 2 weeks. Most people who get the flu do not need medical treatment. However, the following populations have a higher risk of complications:
• Adults aged 65 and above
• People with particular chronic medical conditions, including asthma, heart disease, or diabetes
• Children under the age of 5
• Pregnant people
A doctor may prescribe antiviral medication to people in these groups, to shorten the duration of the illness and reduce the severity of the symptoms.
• COVID-19
COVID-19 is another infectious illness. Like the flu, it can cause muscle or body aches. Most people who get COVID-19 experience mild to moderate symptoms, and get better without treatment. However, serious long-term complications are possible.
Everyone eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine should get one in order to reduce the risk of serious symptoms, particularly people in the groups mentioned above.
• Post-viral complications
Although many people recover from common respiratory viruses on their own, some may experience symptoms that last for weeks, months, or years after the initial illness. This can result in joint pain.
Long COVID: “Long COVID” refers to persistent symptoms that some people develop after COVID-19. It can include a wide range of symptoms, such as pain, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and post-exertional malaise (PEM), which is when a person feels significantly unwell after physical or mental activity.
Reactive arthritis: Reactive arthritis is a type of joint inflammation that can occur after an infectious illness, particularly food poisoning or a sexually transmitted infection. It causes swelling and pain in various joints, especially the hips, knees, ankles, and toes.
Reactive arthritis usually goes away on its own after a few months. A doctor may suggest treating any underlying bacterial infections with antibiotics, or using medications to manage pain and swelling.
There are no standard treatments for post-viral syndrome or long COVID. Some people recover with time and rest, while others experience long-term symptoms. Doctors may recommend management strategies to help people cope.
• Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic condition that can develop after a viral illness. However, sometimes there is no obvious trigger for its development. Pain is a common symptom in those with ME/CFS. Common types of pain associated with ME/CFS include joint pain without swelling or skin discolouration, muscle pain and aches, and headaches.
If a person has post-exertional malaise, then their symptoms may come on suddenly at some time after the activity that causes it. There is no specific treatment for ME/CFS. Doctors focus on helping a person manage their energy and reduce their symptoms.
• Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis that can occur when a person has high levels of uric acid in their blood. The uric acid forms crystals in the joints, leading to inflammation, swelling, and pain. Gout attacks can come on suddenly, peaking in 12 to 24 hours after the symptoms first appear. Gout usually affects only one joint or limb, such as one foot. Less commonly, people may get polyarticular gout, which affects multiple joints.
Treatment focuses on reducing uric acid levels, reducing inflammation, and relieving symptoms through diet and lifestyle strategies. If symptoms do not improve, a doctor may prescribe medication to lower the amount of uric acid in the blood.
• Autoimmune conditions
Autoimmune conditions cause the immune system to attack healthy cells and tissue in the body. This could lead to inflammation and pain in the joints. Examples of autoimmune conditions that can cause joint pain include:
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints. It causes stiffness, pain, and swelling. Without proper treatment, it can damage the cartilage and bone within the joints. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing joint damage, and may include medication, physical therapy, and exercise.
• Lupus: Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune condition that can affect many areas of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, and brain. It causes inflammation and tissue damage. Lupus currently has no cure, but treatment can help people manage symptoms, prevent flares, and prevent organ damage.
• Psoriatic arthritis (PsA): This form of arthritis affects 1 in 5 people who have the skin condition psoriasis. It causes painful inflammation and stiffness in the joints. PsA treatment involves using medication, physical therapy, and exercise to relieve symptoms and prevent further joint damage.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
If a person has sudden joint pain and could potentially have COVID-19, they should follow their local health authority’s guidelines for testing. It is important to note that COVID-19 affects people in different ways. People do not need to have all the potential symptoms. As a result, it is best to get a test if there is any doubt.
If the test is positive, a person should rest at home, and stay away from others. They should not visit a medical facility without calling ahead first.
If the test is negative, a person can consult a doctor for a diagnosis. Sudden widespread joint pain can be a symptom of many conditions, including some not listed in this article. A doctor can determine the underlying cause.
Sudden pain in all the joints can be a symptom of several conditions, including infections, gout, ME/CFS, and some autoimmune conditions. It can also be an indication of complications after an illness, such as post-viral syndrome or reactive arthritis.
If a person has joint pain and is unsure why, they should contact a doctor. Only a medical professional can determine the cause and advise on the best treatments.
