This article explains polyarthritis symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
They can come on suddenly or over many months.
A key sign of polyarthritis is inflammation.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
Inoligoarthritis, four or fewer joints are affected.
If five or more joints are affected, its called polyarthritis.
Autoimmune diseases can trigger an all-body response because they’re systemic diseases that can cause various symptoms.
Mike Devlin / Science Photo Library / Getty Images
Joint Pain Without Inflammation
Having joint pain in multiple joints without inflammation is calledpolyarthralgia.
This is common in people who get osteoarthritis as they get older.
It happens when inflammation affects joints in the body.
The symptoms can be constant or may flare up when the underlying inflammatory condition flares up.
Autoimmune Disorders
Polyarthritis is most often triggered by autoimmune disorders.
The autoimmune disorders most commonly associated with polyarthritis include:
Polyarthritis may also be seen in the inflammatory disordergout.
Illness
Polyarthritis can also occur as part of an acute illness.
In these cases, the inflammation may move between more than one joint.
Illnesses linked to polyarthritis include:
Diagnosis
Polyarthritis is most commonly related to an underlying disease.
People with RA tend to have symmetric symptoms.
Those with psoriatic arthritis often have asymmetric symptoms.
Blood Tests
Bloodwork can help your provider narrow down a diagnosis.
Your provider can also test you for viruses if they think your symptoms could be related to an infection.
These are available over-the-counter (OTC) with a prescription.
Your provider might also prescribe a higher dose if you need it.
Prescription
If you need more treatment than OTC medications, your provider might recommend some prescription medications.
These medications help slow the course of autoimmune diseases.
For example, providers may prescribe methotrexate to reduce joint damage because of polyarthritis.
They change the immune system to reduce inflammation.
Corticosteroidscontrol inflammation and can help with pain.
you might take steroids orally or by injection.
However, they should only be used in the short term because they can cause serious side effects.
At-Home Therapies
Warming therapies you might do at home can temporarily relieve symptoms of polyarthritis.
Examples include:
Do not underestimate the value of exercise in managing polyarthritis symptoms.
Low-impact activities like swimming, yoga, andstretchingcan help keep your joints healthy.
Summary
Polyarthritis is arthritis that affects five or more joints.
Polyarthritis is most commonly brought on by an autoimmune disorder but can also be triggered by an acute infection.
The treatment involves medication, at-home strategies to manage your symptoms, and exercise to keep your joints flexible.
you’re gonna wanna see your provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment for polyarthritis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Polyarthritis is treated similarly to arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
Migratory polyarthritis refers to the gradual spread of arthritis to different joints.
It is considered acute polyarthritis when symptoms last fewer than six weeks and chronic if symptoms last longer.
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