[20M] With severe Achilles pain, rash, and fever

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, here are a few possibilities:

• Viral Infection: Your fever and rash could be due to a viral infection. Some viruses can also cause joint pain. Examples include Parvovirus B19 (which causes Fifth disease) and some types of enteroviruses.

  • Treatment: Viral infections usually resolve on their own within a week or two. Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to manage fever and pain can help.

• Reactive Arthritis: This is a type of arthritis that occurs as a "reaction" to an infection in another part of your body. It can cause joint pain and swelling, as well as skin rashes.

  • Treatment: Reactive arthritis often resolves on its own, but your doctor may recommend medications to relieve your symptoms and possibly treat the underlying infection.

• Lyme Disease: If you've been in an area with ticks, Lyme disease could be a possibility. It can cause a rash (often but not always in a bull's-eye pattern), fever, and joint pain.

  • Treatment: Antibiotics are used to treat Lyme disease.

Please note that these are just possibilities, not a definitive diagnosis. You should seek care from a health professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

1. Rest and stay hydrated. This can help your body fight off an infection if that's what's causing your symptoms.
2. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with your Achilles pain and fever. Follow the instructions on the package.
3. Avoid scratching your rash, as this can lead to infection.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your fever rises above 103°F or lasts more than a few days.
• You have severe pain or swelling in your Achilles tendon.
• You notice a bull's-eye rash (a sign of Lyme disease).
• You have other symptoms that concern you.