3 effects of Covid-19 on bones and joints

Covid-19 affects many organs in the body through receptors. Although it is a respiratory infection, the effects of Covid-19 are detected in almost every organ in the body. Besides the effects on the lungs, Covid-19 also causes cardiovascular and neurological problems… as well as affects bones and joints.

Covid-19 patients face bone conditions due to high steroid use, less exposure to sunlight during long periods of time or limited physical activities. Here are some bone conditions patients may face after contracting Covid-19.

Osteoporosis

Steroid use in the treatment of Covid-19 may affect the composition of bones. This makes bones more brittle and leads to osteoporosis. In addition, due to the prolonged Covid-19 status, the patient limited physical activities and exposure to sunlight, which aggravated the problem of osteoporosis. Therefore, medical experts advise patients to check bone mineral density immediately after recovering from Covid-19.

Vascular necrosis

Vascular necrosis is a condition in which bone tissue dies due to lack of blood supply. Medically, vascular necrosis is also known as osteonecrosis. When faced with this condition, small breaks are formed in the bone that prevents the bone from healing, leading to necrosis.

According to the researchers, corticosteroids are suggested for patients to treat at home, but the side effects of the drug can lead to blood vessel necrosis. At the same time, medical experts also warn people with a history of osteoporosis to be careful when using corticosteroids in the treatment of Covid-19.

Reactive arthritis

Reactive arthritis is swelling and pain in the joints that occurs due to an infection in some other part of the body. According to one study, cases of reactive arthritis were found in male patients aged 47-73 years. Specifically, these people developed arthritis and increased C-reactive protein for a week after their Covid-19 symptoms resolved.

Some telltale signs of bone problems caused by Covid-19 are mild to severe pain in the joints, pain in the hips and knees, stiffness especially in the morning, swelling in the fingers and feet. , and at the same time the patient hurts even when walking properly.

Covid-19 causes some bone problems, however, these symptoms can be treated if caught early. This will help prevent the development of the disease and ensure proper and scientific treatment for the patient.

To reduce the risk of osteoporosis, patients need to supplement with foods rich in calcium, vitamin D and fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables. In case of severe pain when lying down, the patient should go to medical facilities for examination and treatment.

Hong Thao (follow Times of India)