8. Swollen Limbs: Chikungunya’s Puffy Problem
A surprising symptom that some Chikungunya patients notice is the swelling of their limbs. The hands, feet, or even entire arms and legs can appear puffed up. This isn’t the usual swelling one might experience after an injury. It’s a direct result of the virus’s impact on the body’s inflammatory response.
This swelling, medically referred to as edema, can be quite disconcerting. It’s often accompanied by a feeling of tightness and can sometimes be painful to touch. The sight of one’s limbs ballooning can be a cause of stress, with many wondering if it’s a permanent change.
As the body recovers, so does the swelling. The fluids that had accumulated begin to get reabsorbed, and the limbs slowly return to their usual size. It serves as a visual indicator of the healing process, a sign that the body is slowly but surely getting the upper hand against the virus. (8)
