Question
Does HIV treatment cause arthralgia?
10 September 2016. Related: All topics, Side effects, Starting treatment.
Answer
Hi,
Arthralgia means joint pain.
Joint pain is common in people with HIV, and can have many causes. HIV can cause a variety of conditions which could cause joint pain. These include peripheral neuropathy, arthritis and various rheumatic problems. These are more common at lower CD4 counts.
If your joint pain is related to HIV it may improve while on treatment. If you have been on treatment for a period of time and the pain hasn’t improved then it’s important to get a diagnosis. If the joint pain needs separate treatment it is important to know the cause. Your doctor may refer you to a rheumatologist – a doctor who deals with joint problems.
If this is painful, your doctor should refer you to a pain management specialist.
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