[20M] With severe Achilles pain, rash, and fever
Patient Description
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Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Based on your symptoms, here are a few possibilities:
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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.
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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
- Rest and stay hydrated. This can help your body fight off an infection if that's what's causing your symptoms.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with your Achilles pain and fever. Follow the instructions on the package.
- 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.
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9 mo ago