Viral arthritis is joint inflammation caused by a virus.
A virus can affect a joint in two ways. A virus can directly infect a joint by invading its inside lining, called the synovium. The virus can also cause a bodywide immune system response, which can cause joint swelling and pain. In this case, the joint is attacked by the immune system, rather than the virus.
Common causes of viral arthritis include:
Other causes are also possible, though less common.