Suggest Treatment For Dengue Fever, Severe Joint Pain And Chikungunya

Posted on Mon, 9 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 8 Feb 2015 Answered on

Thu, 12 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My 13 year old son visited Central XXXXXXX in December and came home sick with both Chikungunya and Dengue Fever. He was hospitalized with severe joint pain, rash, and high fever. After approximately two weeks, his symptoms began to resolve. He is a competitive soccer player, and he returned to light training at this time, and began trying to rebuild his fitness, speed, and agility after weeks of joint pain and stiffness. He continued to improved for about two weeks, but has now experienced a relapse in symptoms. His joint pain has returned, especially in his ankles, and his face has become permanently flushed looking. He has not been able to play soccer for the past week. Did we cause this relapse by allowing him to return to athletics too early? How long does he need to remain out of training in order to fully heal?

Answered by Dr. Praveen G (-3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
He requires rest for atleast 1 month

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to Healthcare Magic,

Viral polyarthralgia (pain in several joints) and myalgia (muscle pain), a condition that persists for several after recovery from Chikungunya and Dengue Fever.

As your son has not taken proper rest and returned to soccer training has made the pain serious.

A patient with chikungunya and dengue fever will have severe form of joint pain and arthritis that sometimes goes on for months.

Good nutrition, Vitamins D and E will boost recovery.These myalgias usually resolve with plain paracetamol, a course of corticosteroids and simple exercises as per your doctor advise will help him to recover fast.

Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D