Joint pain and HIV: Why does it occur and what to do

Joint, muscle and bone pain is often found in people living with HIV. According to experts, the virus can affect these processes both directly and indirectly. Most often, pain occurs due to a comorbidity, such as arthritis, or as a side effect of treatment. The article was published in Medical Insider magazine (Russian langauge link).

How is HIV related to joint pain?

People living with HIV can experience pain for the following reasons:

• In the first few weeks the virus can causes symptoms similar to the flu, or a bad cold, which cause joint pain and discomfort.
• Various conditions such as injuries, infections, bone disease and ageing can increase the risk of arthritis or rheumatic diseases.
• Medicines that are used to treat HIV, and other diseases, can also cause joint pain.
• The HIV virus itself can cause inflammation which can lead to joint and muscle pain.
• ARV therapy and joint problems

Some antiretroviral treatments for HIV can cause unwanted side effects, including joint pain. Most often these will present within one to two months after starting treatment. But joint pain can also be triggered by drugs for other conditions, cholesterol-reducing drugs and hepatitis treatments, for example.

Which joints are most likely to experience pain in people living with HIV?

Pain related to HIV infection can occur in any joint. But, according to research, the larger joins of the arms and legs are the most likely to cause issue. Moreover, pain seems to usually manifest asymmetrically.

Treatment methods

There are various methods of treating joint pain. It depends entirely on the cause of the disease or pain itself. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids and opioids are often used. Non-chemical methods of treatment can include physical therapy, massage, physical activity, acupuncture, electrical stimulation and more.

It is important that people do not self-medicate when it comes to pain, and that you raise any issues with a healthcare professional who can build a complete picture of your issue and help you choose a safe and effective therapy path.