Patient Education Guides
Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient Education
Comprehensive guide on RA symptoms, treatment, and living with the condition.
Ankylosing Spondylitis Guide
Understanding AS, symptoms, progression, treatment and posture management.
Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma)
Disease characteristics, skin manifestations, organ involvement and management.
Diet for Gout Patients
Foods to avoid, foods to include, hydration guidelines and meal planning.
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) Information
Uses, dosage, benefits, side effects, and eye examination requirements.
Exercise Guides
Comprehensive Guide
Chikungunya Arthritis
The word “Chikungunya” means “to become bent” or “contorted” — describing how patients walk due to severe joint pain. This guide covers all three phases of the disease.
85%
of infected develop symptoms
3-7 days
incubation period
30%
develop chronic arthritis
Common Symptoms
- High-grade fever
- Severe joint pain & stiffness
- Headache
- Red eyes or skin rash
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
Joint Involvement
Can affect 10+ joints simultaneously. Most commonly: small joints of hands and feet, wrist, ankle, and spine (50% of patients).
70% of patients: Pain decreases significantly after 3 weeks
30% of patients: Long-term pain that can persist for months or years
Testing & Diagnosis
Step 1: RT-PCR Test
Must be done within 5 days of symptom onset at NIDCR
Step 2: Chikungunya IgM + IgG Antibodies
Can be done after the first week to confirm infection stage
Three Stages of Treatment
Stage 1: Acute Phase (First 2 Weeks)
- ONLY Paracetamol for fever and pain
- Adequate water intake and liquid diet
- Complete bed rest
- Rule out Dengue fever — NSAIDs are dangerous if Dengue
Stage 2: Sub-Acute Phase (2 Weeks – 3 Months)
- Nerve pain medications (Gabapentin, Pregabalin)
- NSAIDs may now be used safely
- Short-term steroids in select cases
- Physical therapy recommended
Stage 3: Chronic Phase (After 3 Months)
- Disease-modifying drugs (Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine)
- Must be supervised by a Rheumatologist
- Regular lab monitoring required
- Gradual reduction once controlled
Possible Complications
- Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
- Septicemia (blood infection)
- Rheumatic conditions development
- Stroke (vascular complications)
High-risk patients: Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, chronic lung disease, elderly, pregnant women.
Prevention Tips
- Use mosquito nets while sleeping
- Apply mosquito repellent
- Wear long-sleeved clothing
- Eliminate standing water
- Clean water containers weekly
- Aedes mosquitoes bite during daytime