COVID-19 AND ARTHRITIS RISK: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

Introduction: The main goal of this research is to understand the link between contracting the COVID-19 virus and increased susceptibility to arthritis. Methodology: A retrogressive analytical study was carried out on 50 patients who had COVID-19 and another 50 patients forming a control group. Information was gathered from the medical records of these patients; this information included their age, sex, type and symptoms of arthritis, the period during which they experienced the symptoms, as well as any functional limitations. Results: It was found that arthritis was much more likely to develop among the COVID-19 patients i in contrast to the control group (p = 0.02) (28% ٫10%). The most common kind of arthritis identified was an allergic reaction at 57%. Knee pain, experienced by 86% of COVID-19 patients, morning stiffness (71%), and functional limitations (57%) outnumbered those reported by controls. In light of these discoveries, there appears to be a connection between contracting COVID-19 infection and heightened vulnerability towards arthritis. Discussion: These results necessitate more investigation to determine the mechanisms underlying this association and develop prevention and treatment strategies.