Does Hand Foot and Mouth Disease Cause Joint Pain?
Does Hand Foot and Mouth Disease Cause Joint Pain? Hand foot and mouth disease is a common illness that affects many people each year. It’s often seen in kids but adults can get it too. The disease brings with it spots on the skin and sores in the mouth. People ask if this ailment can also lead to pain in the joints.
When tackling this question we’ll look at what symptoms come with hand foot and mouth disease. We know fever, sore throat, and feeling tired are part of it. But joint pain is not as clear cut. Some folks might feel stiffness or discomfort in their hands or knees.
To give a full picture we must consider all parts of the problem. This includes why joint pain may show up with hand foot and mouth disease. If you’re dealing with these symptoms or just want to learn more keep reading for useful facts.
What is Hand Foot and Mouth Disease?
Hand foot and mouth disease is an illness that often affects children. It’s caused by a group of viruses called enteroviruses. The most common one linked to this sickness is called Coxsackievirus A16. This disease can spread quickly in schools or daycares.
The main signs are sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. Sometimes, these spots can show up on the knees, elbows, or bottom too. They may be painful or just feel uncomfortable. Fever, sore throat, and feeling tired are also symptoms people might have.
This illness spreads from person to person through coughs and sneezes. You can also get it from touching something with virus germs on it then touching your face. It’s really important for everyone to wash their hands well to stop this disease from spreading.
There’s no special treatment for hand foot and mouth disease; it normally gets better by itself after 7-10 days. While joint pain isn’t a usual symptom some folks might still feel achy as part of being sick overall. If you’re not sure about your symptoms always ask a doctor for help.
Can Hand Foot and Mouth Disease Cause Joint Pain?
Joint pain is not often talked about when we discuss hand foot and mouth disease. The typical signs are sores in the mouth and a rash on hands or feet. Yet some people with this illness report having joint pain as well. It’s less common but it can happen.
Doctors think the virus that causes the disease might also inflame joints in some cases. This could lead to pain or discomfort in areas like fingers, wrists, or knees. Not everyone will feel this symptom. Most of the time kids who get sick just have the rash and mouth sores.
If someone has joint pain with hand foot and mouth disease it’s usually mild. The ache might last for a few days while the body fights off the virus. Rest is important during this time to help recovery along with lots of fluids to stay hydrated.
Treatment for joint pain linked to this illness includes over-the-counter meds if needed. Always check with your doctor before you take medicine for symptoms of any sickness though; they know best what will help you get better soonest without causing other problems from side effects.
What are the Causes of Joint Pain in Hand Foot and Mouth Disease?
Joint pain during hand foot and mouth disease can be puzzling for those who experience it. The virus itself is one reason why joints might hurt. It can cause your immune system to react strongly sometimes affecting more than just skin or mouth areas. These aches are not the main sign of the illness but they still count as a symptom.
Another cause could be related to how our bodies deal with viruses. When fighting off an infection chemicals in our body that create inflammation might lead to joint pain. This doesn’t happen to everyone though; it’s pretty rare with hand foot and mouth disease.
Lastly stress on the body from any sickness can make old pains feel worse again. So if you had sore joints before getting sick this could be why they’re hurting now too. Remembering this helps us understand why some people have joint pain when most do not during hand foot and mouth disease.
How is Joint Pain Treated in Hand Foot and Mouth Disease?
Treating joint pain during hand foot and mouth disease starts with understanding the symptom. If you’re feeling this type of discomfort it’s key to know that rest can help. Giving your body time to heal is important. Mild activity might be okay but don’t push too hard.
Over-the-counter pain relievers are often used for relief as well. Medicines like ibuprofen can reduce inflammation and ease aches in joints. However, always talk to a healthcare provider before starting any new medication, especially for children.
Applying cold packs to sore joints might also provide comfort. This method helps decrease swelling and dulls pain signals going to your brain. Use a cloth between the ice pack and skin keeping it on for short periods of time.
Staying hydrated plays a role in treatment too; fluids keep everything moving in your body more smoothly while it works hard fighting off the virus causing hand foot and mouth disease. So make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day.
In some cases where joint pain is more intense or lasts longer than usual consulting with a doctor becomes necessary. They may suggest other treatments or look into whether something else could be causing your symptoms alongside hand foot and mouth disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
Yes adults can get hand foot and mouth disease too. It's more common in kids but anyone can catch it.
Yes you should stay home to rest and avoid spreading the virus to others until your symptoms improve.
Joint pain is not common but if it occurs it typically lasts only a few days as your body fights off the infection. Can adults get hand foot and mouth disease or is it just a childhood illness?
Should I stay home from work or school if I have hand foot and mouth disease?
How long does joint pain last when associated with hand foot and mouth disease?
