Polyarthritis Explained
What is polyarthritis?
Polyarthritis (pronounced pol-e-ar-thri-tis) is the inflammation of several joints simultaneously. It involves five or more joints with both pain and signs of inflammation in more than one joint. It is important to note that polyarthritis is not a particular type of arthritis but is merely used to refer to the involvement of a certain number of joints.
What causes polyarthritis?
Polyarthritis is most often caused by an auto-immune disorder such as Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, and Lupus erythematosus but may also be caused by certain infections, cancers and other conditions.
How is polyarthritis diagnosed?
It is important to note that polyarthritis often results because of an underlying cause. Patients with inflammatory polyarthritis are a diagnostic and management challenge. The range of possible diagnoses is great.
What are the symptoms of polyarthritis?
- pain
- swelling
- redness
- warm joints
- bogginess of joint
- restricted movement
- deformation
Polyarthritis may be experienced at any age and is not gender specific.
How is polyarthritis treated?
The treatment of polyarthritis depends on the underlying cause. Treatment may include rest, physiotherapy, non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid medications, and medications that suppress the immune system.
What are non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications?
Non steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) are a large group of medications that reduce inflammation but do not contain corticosteroids. They include medications such as Advil, Aspirin and Ibuprofen.
What are Corticosteroids?
Corticosteroids represent a large group of medications that stop inflammation. Many of these are available as pills or injections. One such type of medication is Cortisone.
Is there a cure for polyarthritis?
There is currently no cure for polyarthritis
References
http://www.en.wikipedia.org
http://wrongdiagnosis.com
http://www.answers.com
http://www.freemd.com
Resources
http://www.arthritisaustralia.com.au
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