Chikungunya fever caused by a virus is more frequent this year. Usually it is not a fatal disease. High fever along with joint pain makes the sufferings worst. In most cases, fever appeases within two to five days. Nonetheless, joint pain could persist for several weeks even a month. So, for ameliorating joint pain patients could take the following effective measures.

1. Cold compression is very effective. Direct use of ice is unpleasant and could produce ice burn. You could put ice in a soft towel and apply to the affected joint for 10 to 15 minutes three to four times daily or according to need.

2. Light massage is also beneficial. Use sesame oil during massage for better result. This will reduce intense joint pain due to increased blood circulation in the joint. However repeated and long-time rubbing could produce adverse effect.

3. If you drink a glass of hot water mixed with half a teaspoon of turmeric powder twice daily, it would reduce pain because turmeric is a recognised herbal anti-inflammatory pain killer.

4. Physiotherapy is the strongest pain reliever among all the available method to reduce inflammatory joint pain. Wax therapy and other modalities of electro physical agents have a good effect in controlling Chikungunya induced joint pain.

To destroy mosquito larvae, do not let stagnant water to remain in pots or any other places. Use mosquito net while going to bed.

Dr Mohammad Ali is the Head of Physiotherapy Department of Uttara Adhunik Medical College Hospital, Uttara, Dhaka. Email: hprc2005@live.com