What other kinds of skin reactions can the COVID-19 vaccine cause? coronavirus (covid-19) health center/coronavirus a-z list/what are covid toes and fingers article. Since researchers collected the data between December and February before the Johnson & Johnson vaccine had been approved for use in the U.S., the study included only Pfizer and Moderna recipients, representing 17 percent and 83 percent of the patients considered, respectively. This can involve applying a cold pack or a bag of ice wrapped in a towel to swollen areas. Drew admitting the vaccines do harm. Any vaccination can cause SIRVA. But a new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology has found that there's one reaction to the vaccine you might not have expected: COVID toes and fingers. Doctors can usually treat SIRVA, which will reduce pain and improve range of motion. This is to ensure that any problems you may experience after your procedure are not mistaken for side effects of the vaccine. In this article, we will discuss the possible associations between joint swelling and COVID-19. In fact, getting the vaccine when you have rheumatoid arthritis may be especially important, given the disease may put you at higher risk for COVID-19 or severe outcomes. Some vaccine side effects that can overlap with rheumatoid arthritis disease activity may include muscle aches, joint pain, temporary fever, and fatigue, says clinical These common localized reactions are usually short-lived and mild. While the analysis found that several rare but non-life-threatening side effects on the skin were possible, researchers noted that skin sores or bumps known as pernio or chilblainsalso described as "COVID toes" by some patientswere also reported, USA Today reports. Here are the RA drugs for which the ACR guidance suggests changes may be recommended: Yes, but this is an ongoing area of research. If you are having a corticosteroid injection for an orthopaedic condition, such as arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, your doctor may advise you to wait for a few days after the injection before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. January 26, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mmr/public/index.html. Learn what the rapid antigen test is used for, how it works, and what the pros and cons are. COVID toes and fingers refer to rashes and discoloration on the toes and fingers of people infected with the virus. AARP Membership -Join AARP for just $12 for your first year when you enroll in automatic renewal Local reactions, systemic reactions, adverse events, and serious adverse events: Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. There is no strong evidence to suggest they may be dangerous. In severe cases say, youre hospitalized or taking a very high level of IV steroids that youll be able to taper off of soon your doctor may recommend you wait to receive the vaccine to bolster your response. People should also continue taking their medication unless their doctor states otherwise. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. While it takes longer to get results, a PCR test is usually more accurate than an antigen test. By now, it's well known that you can likely expect some minor side effects after you receive your COVID vaccine. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. The analysis found that patients who had received lip injections experienced some swelling after receiving their dose in rare instances. is arthritis or finger joint pain a symptom of covid? About OrthoInfoEditorial Board Our ContributorsOur Subspecialty Partners Contact Us, Privacy PolicyTerms & Conditions Linking Policy AAOS Newsroom Find an FAAOS Surgeon. Pain, swelling or a delayed rash at the injection site Almost everyone has some arm soreness after vaccination. To combat this, the American College of Rheumatology recommends adjusting the timing of receipt and possibly the dose of certain DMARDs such as rituximab, methotrexate, and abatacept to help your immune system develop the best possible response to the vaccine while still controlling your arthritis symptoms. Cleveland Clinic. The immune system aims to protect the body from pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, people with autoimmune disease are more susceptible to infections in part due to the impaired regulation of the immune system, but also as a result of medications designed to suppress the immune response. Some people experience shoulder pain after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. The Strange Way the Vaccine Can Affect Your Fingers and Toes, Doctor Warns, Doing This After Your Vaccine Can Make Side Effects Worse, Doctors Say, This Is Why Half of People Have Stronger Vaccine Side Effects, CDC Says, Doctors Are Warning You to "Be Prepared" for This After Your Second Dose, skin reactions reported by patients who had received the COVID-19 vaccine, The Strange New COVID Vaccine Side Effect That's Confusing Even Doctors, Click here for all Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose or to a component of the COVID-19 vaccine. Could you have already had COVID-19 and not know it? Temporarily swollen lymph nodes. We dont have great data on this, but I would refer back to our experience with the flu vaccine its not a live virus, so its not very likely its going to trigger a disease flare, says Dr. Kaplan. A person with symptoms from COVID-19 or its vaccine can take ibuprofen safely. Also, it may exaggerate symptoms in people with existing cases of arthritis. This website also contains material copyrighted by third parties. A study of delayed skin reactions to Pfizer and Moderna doses uncovered the reaction. All rights reserved. Participants most commonly reported pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain and chills. National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Serum concentrations not only of arthrogenic cytokines, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-), but also of type I interferon (IFN) were elevated at the active phase in this case. The FDA has granted Emergency Use Authorizations for COVID-19 vaccines that have been shown to be safe and effective as established by data from large clinical trials. Nevertheless, the jury is still out on this topic, since it can take years for such late Meeting the challenge of long COVID. While this complication is more likely to occur following sexually transmitted or gastrointestinal infections, other infections such as COVID-19 can lead to (2020). } According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, this is unlikely to occur. navigator.sendBeacon('https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', payload); By joining Cureus, you agree to our from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Swelling or redness at the site of the injection, Systemic reactions, such as fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, or fatigue. Those patients who saw the rash with both doses reported that it was less pronounced and usually faded more quickly than the first in about three to four days. We reported a 23-year-old woman who suffered from an acute ReA on her left knee joint after COVID-19 vaccination and discussed the etiology and preventive strategy. Some people may experience a reaction or adverse event following a vaccination against COVID-19. However, it is worth noting that, while SARS-CoV-2 may contribute toward arthritis, experts associate coronaviruses more commonly with muscle or joint pain than with joint swelling. Immediate allergic reaction of any severity to a previous dose or known (diagnosed) allergy to a component of the vaccine. Fact Sheet: President Biden to Announce All Americans to be Eligible for Vaccinations by May 1, Puts the Nation on a Path to Get Closer to Normal by July 4th. Is joint swelling and pain a symptom of COVID-19? Know that severe Usually, we associate disease flares with being triggered by viruses, whether theyre naturally-acquired viruses or viruses given as part of a vaccine.. Canadas National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that all Canadian adults Other commonly reported side effects of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine include fatigue, headache, and muscle pain. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. The condition, which was also reported to affect the fingers in 10 percent of patients who saw the symptom, is likely caused by inflammation of blood vessel walls and What are the signs and symptoms of COVID toes? xhr.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain;charset=UTF-8'); Many patients with autoimmune conditions who take medications that affect immune system function are concerned that certain vaccines could give them the virus. Symptoms start off flu-like and progress to coughing, fever, shortness of breath, shaking chills, headache, loss of sense of taste and/or smell, muscle pain, and sore throat. NSAIDs may help relieve pain and discomfort resulting from inflammation. The discovery comes from an analysis of 414 delayed skin reactions reported by patients who had received the COVID-19 vaccine, described in the study as starting a day or so after the dose is received to as long as seven to eight days later. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact your orthopaedic surgeon. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the only contraindications to receiving the COVID-19 are: The CDC considers a history of an immediate allergic reaction to any other vaccine or injectable therapy (say, your injectable biologics) a precaution but not a contraindication to vaccination. Temporarily stopping certain immunosuppressant medications after receiving the vaccine, or timing when you get the vaccine in the course of your treatment, might help increase the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine if you have RA. In most cases, SIRVA pain emerges within 24 hours of receiving the vaccination. While this has been previously reported as a side effect, the study did find that only 43 percent of patients who developed a rash on their arm after their first dose saw it again after their second. What other kinds of skin reactions can the COVID-19 vaccine cause? COVID-19 vaccines are available. A 2021 report notes two cases of SIRVA following administration of mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations. COVID-19 vaccine: What to do about side effects, Global COVID-19 vaccine summary: Side effects, Moderna COVID-19 vaccine: What to know about side effects, the redness or tenderness at the vaccination site worsens after 24 hours. So, it appears that it can happen at any point since these fillers can last much longer than we think.". All rights reserved. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6347325/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC8094125/, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2049080121005720, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1930043321005872, https://www.hrsa.gov/vaccine-compensation/index.html, https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/pfizer/reactogenicity.html, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect/after.html, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6707642/, https://journals.lww.com/jaaos/Fulltext/2021/09010/Shoulder_Injury_Related_to_Vaccine_Administration.2.aspx. Other studies have shown that prednisone and methotrexate may also adversely affect your response to COVID-19 infection. For more information, check out this summary of research on inflammatory arthritis and rheumatic disease patients and their risk for COVID-19 complications. Beyond this, the injection is given in the deltoid muscle below the space where bursitis or tendinitis would occur and outside the glenohumeral joint where patients might experience arthritis. "If you've had facial filler, it doesn't mean you shouldn't get the vaccine," Freeman said. Can COVID-19 vaccines affect periods, and, if so, how? But once again, the seemingly outsized reaction to the vaccine isn't the sign of anything serious. (2021). Some patients may experience side effects after vaccination, but these are typically mild and go away in a few days. } ); It will be up to your states guidelines, but the ACR is pushing for RA patients to be prioritized for vaccination before the general population of similar age and sex. Eight days after the completion of COVID19 treatment, he developed swelling, redness, pain, and tenderness in the left first metatarsophalangeal joint as February 8, 2021. https://www.rheumatology.org/Portals/0/Files/COVID-19-Vaccine-Clinical-Guidance-Rheumatic-Diseases-Summary.pdf. sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices. We will be providing updated information, community support, and other resources tailored specifically to your health and safety. This could theoretically occur with vaccines like the MMR vaccine for measles and mumps, which is a live vaccine. However, people who are able to manage and control their arthritis should not be at a higher risk than the general public. There is also a growing number of reports of reactive arthritis associated with COVID-19. Most people with COVID-19 will experience a mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without the need for intensive or special treatment. COVID-19 vaccine clinical guidance summary. var payload = 'v=1&tid=UA-72659260-1&cid=e9315c21-7031-4da1-aefa-b605fcb73256&t=event&ec=clone&ea=hostname&el=domain&aip=1&ds=web&z=8380539092980657558'.replace( 'domain', location.hostname ); Many orthopaedic patients have questions about how the COVID-19 vaccine might impact theirbones and joints. While getting the vaccine would ideally occur in the setting of well-controlled disease, you should get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible regardless of disease activity and severity, with the exception of extreme cases say, in the intensive care unit. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Join the Global Healthy Living Foundations freeCOVID-19 Support Programfor chronic illness patients and their families. Jali, I. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. The COVID-19 vaccine cannot infect you with coronavirus. This resource was created to help address concerns you may have about the effect of the COVID-19 vaccine on your musculoskeletal health. That said, a poorly controlled autoimmune disease is much more of a threat to someone with COVID-19 than these medications. Research notes an association between viral infections, such as SARS-CoV-2, and rheumatic conditions, such as arthritis. Vaccines & Immunizations. The body then develops immunity to the spike protein, which protects against the virus. By now, everyone knows about COVID-19. And for more on what you can expect after you're fully vaccinated, check out Doctors Are Warning You to "Be Prepared" for This After Your Second Dose. The American College of Rheumatology notes no concerns over vaccinations and recommends that people with rheumatic conditions, such as arthritis, should receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Zero is a nice number." (2020). When this occurs, an individual can immediately have pain and difficultly moving their shoulder. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Viral arthritis occurs when a virus invades a joint and triggers an immune response, causing inflammation in that joint. (2020). Demandez toujours l'avis d'un mdecin ou d'un autre professionnel de la sant qualifi pour toute question que vous pourriez avoir concernant une condition mdicale. } There are sporadic reports suggesting that some people with COVID-19 developed inflammatory arthritis as a complication of the infection. CreakyJoints no brinda consejos mdicos ni se dedica a la prctica de la medicina. The real story behind the NCAA basketball tournament's bankable nickname. Read on to learn more about this strange side effect, and for more on what you should avoid once you get your doses, check out Doing This After Your Vaccine Can Make Side Effects Worse, Doctors Say. However, no reports currently link COVID-19 to cases of RA. If you develop burning or itching, or chills on exposure to cold and wet ground, you most likely have chilblains. I received my first dose of the vaccine around 1:30 p.m. that day. A 2020 article notes the possibility of viral arthritis being responsible for joint swelling during a SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, people may experience joint swelling due to viral arthritis. You should not stop taking any of your rheumatoid arthritis medications on your own. We also explore how common they are and other safety. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Although uncommon, swollen lymph nodes can also appear with rheumatoid arthritis. Some references are essential communication for men. We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including A person may experience shoulder pain after the COVID-19 vaccine for two reasons. COVID toe is a self-limiting symptom of COVID-19 that usually gets better without treatment. Symptom lists may still require updating. COVID toes and fingers refer to rashes and discoloration on the toes and fingers of people infected with COVID-19. According to Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, a dermatologist, the reaction isn't just related to recent procedures, telling Clevland Clinic in February: "I have seen patients who've had reactions to the vaccine and their fillers were placed anywhere from weeks to years prior. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? This is an entirely new virus, and doctors are making no presumptions. Learn some signs that might indicate just that. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { March 5, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html. COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is a mild illness in most people. People with type 1 diabetes have 3.5 times the risk of dying compared to people without diabetes and people with type 2 diabetes have double the mortality risk with this viral infection. "Having your toes turn purple is uncomfortable but it's not a reason to not get the second dose," Esther Freeman, MD, PhD, director of global health dermatology at Massachusetts General Hospital and senior study author, told USA Today. Background: SARS-COV-2 usually presents with respiratory symptoms but can have various other manifestations and sequelae. If you have any questions about the timing of your surgery, your orthopaedic surgeon will be able to guide you. If you have any concerns about getting the vaccine during a flare, talk to your doctor. One of the rare complications of COVID-19 infection is Reactive Arthritis. If you had COVID-19 symptoms but never got tested, or if you have long-term symptoms that just won't go away, you may want to get an antibody test. From the issue,Living With Inflammatory Arthritis. A 2019 study notes that viral respiratory infections may be a risk factor for developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The agency also recommends applying a cool, wet washcloth over the area. Anyone seeking specific orthopaedic advice or assistance should consult his or her orthopaedic surgeon, or locate one in your area through the AAOS Find an Orthopaedist program on this website. Nevertheless, COVID-19 is a new illness, and researchers are still collecting data to learn more about it. xhr.send(payload); A 2021 literature review suggests that post-SARS-CoV2 infection arthritis may arise due to viral and reactive arthritis. (2022). Lets talk about vaccination and vaccines, Press J to jump to the feed. The study found that some patients reported an all-body rashmedically known as a morbilliform rashoften described as being "measles-like" though it isn't measles. According to Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, a dermatologist, the reaction isn't just related to recent procedures, telling Clevland Clinic in February: "I have seen patients who've had reactions to the vaccine and their fillers were placed anywhere from weeks to years prior. Research suggests that, while rare, viral and reactive arthritis may result in joint swelling that people may experience after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. In cases of clinical arthritis, with appropriate treatment, which may involve nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), joint swelling should resolve within a few days but may persist for a few weeks. A doctor may recommend one or more of the following options: Vaccine side effects, such as shoulder pain, usually resolve after a few days. What is the COVID-19 antigen test? Although more research is needed to determine how autoimmune conditions and medications impact the effectiveness of the vaccine, that protection could potentially be the difference between mild and severe COVID-19 or even hospitalization and death. The condition, which was also reported to affect the fingers in 10 percent of patients who saw the symptom, is likely caused by inflammation of blood vessel walls and can cause digits to swell and turn deep red or purple. if( navigator.sendBeacon ) { This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Drew admitting the vaccines do harm. "If you've had facial filler, it doesn't mean you shouldn't get the vaccine," Freeman said. For more information, refer to our full guide: Can You Safely Get a COVID-19 Vaccine If You Have a History of Allergic Reactions? If you've read this far, you may Heart failure: Could a low sodium diet sometimes do more harm than good? The authors concluded that people with rheumatoid arthritis should be prioritized for COVID-19 prevention and management strategies. Fever is a symptom of COVID-19, although not everyone presents with fever. Heres the bottom line: Especially if you have rheumatoid arthritis, most rheumatologists and public health experts recommend you get the COVID-19 vaccine. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? But once again, the seemingly outsized reaction to the vaccine isn't the sign of anything serious. What's really the best way to prevent the spread of new coronavirus COVID-19? Their guidance will depend on the type of injury a person has. Fatigue, headache, muscle pain. Using or exercising your arm can help ease pain, the CDC says. For more information on differentiating flares from vaccine side effects, heres our guide on what to do after getting a COVID-19 vaccine if youre immunocompromised or have an autoimmune condition. diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer. Flares after vaccination are an exception, not the rule. By around 10:30 p.m., my arm was sore at the injection site and itchy all the way down to my wrist with a little bit of a rash. The CDC recommends that you have the COVID-19 vaccine even if you have had an allergic reaction to food, oral medications, pets, or environmental toxins, such as dust or latex, in the past. La organizacin no recomienda bajo ninguna circunstancia ningn tratamiento en particular para individuos especficos y, en todos los casos, recomienda que consulte a su mdico o centro de tratamiento local antes de continuar con cualquier tratamiento. Should you keep taking your arthritis medications? Still, the reaction is a noted side effect of other vaccines as well, and this doesn't mean you should hold back from getting your shots. Those patients who saw the rash with both doses reported that it was less pronounced and usually faded more quickly than the first in about three to four days. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 1996-2022 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Speak to your doctor about your personal situation to find out what is most effective for you. This article also covers the symptoms, causes, and diagnosis of. If symptoms get worse, talk to a dermatologist. Most people under the regular care of a physician for inflammatory arthritis are agreeing to get the COVID-19 vaccine and its booster. There should be epinephrine on hand if a severe reaction were to occur. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Athlete, nerd, hopeless romantic, thespian. Having rheumatoid arthritis is not a contraindication (a medical reason to avoid) the vaccine. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has recently stated that the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine strongly outweigh the orthopaedic risks. Moreover, research notes that, although rare, it is possible that SARS-CoV-2 is triggering reactive arthritis. Serious illness is more likely in elderly people and those with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease,
If you have any concerns about COVID-19 and your inflammatory arthritis, address them with your physician. However, a person should contact a doctor if: The outlook for a person with SIRVA varies. Both tests administered in tandem can give you your complete COVID-19 infection status. If you would like to customise your choices, click 'Manage privacy settings'. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction. Studies show that these conditions occur no more often in patients who have received vaccination than they do in the overall population. var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. 11.6% reported feeling this after their COVID-19 vaccine. While anyone can get COVID toes, studies have shown that young children and teens seem to be affected the most. Read on to learn more about this strange side effect, and for more on what you should avoid once you get your doses, check out Doing This After Your Vaccine Can Make Side Effects Worse, Doctors Say. However, neither the Pfizer, Moderna, or Janssen vaccine seems to lead to joint swelling. Which disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are most likely to influence COVID-19 severity? Skin reactions to the COVID vaccine aren't just limited to where you get your jab. our guide on what to do after getting a COVID-19 vaccine, heres what immunocompromised people should know, https://www.psoriasis.org/covid-19-task-force-guidance-statements/, https://www.rheumatology.org/Portals/0/Files/COVID-19-Vaccine-Clinical-Guidance-Rheumatic-Diseases-Summary.pdf, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dont-be-alarmed-by-this-covid-19-vaccine-side-effect-that-could-be-confused-with-breast-cancer/, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/03/11/fact-sheet-president-biden-to-announce-all-americans-to-be-eligible-for-vaccinations-by-may-1-puts-the-nation-on-a-path-to-get-closer-to-normal-by-july-4th/, https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html, https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mmr/public/index.html, The Risk Factors for Long COVID Are Still Ambiguous But Heres What You Should Know if Youre Immunocompromised, 5 Reasons Why Your Doctor May Not Prescribe Paxlovid If Youre High-Risk and When to Get a Second Opinion, Yet Another Symptom: Dealing with Long-Haul Covid as a Person with Chronic Illness, 12 Realities of Living with an Invisible Illness, Catinas Journey with Chronic Illness: From Hiding to Helping. We spoke with researchers, physicians, and people with lived experiences of this effect to find, In this feature, we highlight the most common side effects of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. He is based in Manhattan. Instead, a piece of laboratory-manufactured genetic material called messenger RNA (mRNA) is injected. The condition, which was also reported to affect the fingers in 10 percent of patients who saw the symptom, is likely caused by inflammation of blood vessel walls and can cause digits to swell and turn deep red or purple. Government officials are working to make sure every adult will actually be able to get the vaccine by May 1 by increasing the number of locations where people can get vaccinated (including community health centers, pharmacies, and community vaccination centers), expanding the professionals who can administer shots (including dentists, optometrists, podiatrists, veterinarians, medical students, and more), and providing tools to make it easier to find vaccines (like websites and a call center), per The White House. Here we report a case with new-onset rheumatoid arthritis (RA) following COVID-19 vaccination. Doctors use the term SIRVA, which stands for shoulder injury related to vaccine administration, to describe this. A study published in November 2021 by the Global Rheumatology Alliance in the Annals of Rheumatic Disease answered that question. Side effects in adults 65+ after Moderna vaccine (second dose) Pain at injection site (83.4%) Fatigue (58.4%) Headache (46.4%) Muscle pain (46.9%) Joint pain (34.9%) Chills (30.6%) Nausea/vomiting (11.8%) and fever (10.2%) were also reported. The time frame that we recommend for being vaccinated after having a COVID-19 infection is as soon as youre out of quarantine, says Dr. Englund. Like most vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccine is injected into the deltoid muscle on the side of the arm. Some muscle and joint complications of COVID-19 may include: Although viral infections can cause joint swelling, it appears that COVID-19 does not cause clinical arthritis but rather joint and muscle pain.