7 Tips to relieve joint pain after Chikungunya

Lingering joint pain after chikungunya? These gentle fixes can help soothe inflammation and speed up recovery (Image: Pexels)

Have you ever dismissed the fever and fatigue of chikangunya only to find persistent stiffness and swelling in your joints? Chikungunya recovery is said to take time, for many it goes beyond ten days.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) up to 1 in 3  people experience, chronic joint pain afterwards.  The Centres  for Disease, Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that it’s inflammation, not the virus that lingers. However, there are some tried and tested ways to ease the pain and help your body recover well.

Why pain linger post infection?

The chikungunya virus triggers strong inflammation in the joints. After the fever fades, the immune system sometimes remains activated, keeping inflammation alive. The WHO notes that this can lead to arthritis like symptoms, swelling, stiffness, and a gritty ache that’s often worse in the morning. Additionally, the CDC studies have shown that people over 40 or those with existing joint issues, are more prone to prolonged symptoms. The discomfort can impact their everyday life.

7 Tips to soothe your aching joints 

Keep moving, but slowly: Movement helps joints stay mobile. Stroll, stretch, or try gentle yoga to ease stiffness. Avoid high-impact exercise until your joints feel stronger.

Use warmth for relief: A warm flannel or bath can do wonders. Heat soothes stiffness and improves blood flow. Try a warm foot bath if your ankles or feet are most affected.

Try herbal helpers: Turmeric, ginger, and boswell is are well-known natural anti-inflammatories. Add them to meals, brew as tea, or consider capsules after checking with your doctor.

Diet to calm inflammation: Omega 3s from fish, nuts, and seeds, along with colourful fruits and vegetables, help soothe inflammation. Cut back on processed, sugary foods that may make pain worse.

Support with milk pain relief: For tougher days, over-the-counter NSAIDs can ease inflammation. Stick to the lowest effective dose and check with your doctor if taking other medications.

Strengthen through physiotherapy: A physiotherapist can guide you through gentle exercises to rebuild strength, improve flexibility, and relieve pressure on aching joints.

Prioritise good sleep and rest: Good rest is important for  recovery. Sleeping well, resting your body, and managing stress may help you heal faster.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.