Under the medical term polyarthritis, physicians understand a simultaneous inflammation of several joints. One of the most common forms of joint inflammation is the so-called rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, infections are often a reason for joint inflammation. Likewise, metabolic diseases can be a cause.
What is polyarthritis?
Infographic of pain regions and affected joints in rheumatoid arthritis. Click image to enlarge. If more than one joint is affected by inflammation, physicians refer to it as polyarthritis. The word arthritis is derived from the Greek “Arth” – the joint – and the word “Itis” – the “inflammation”, with the term “poly” representing the plural meaning. If only one joint is affected by the inflammation, it is a monoarthritis. A corresponding inflammation can occur spontaneously, in which case it is called acute arthritis. If the inflammation lasts longer or occurs repeatedly, the physician speaks of a chronic disease, which is also popularly known as rheumatism.
Causes
There are different types and forms of polyarthritis. The most common causes are infections, metabolic diseases, and autoimmune diseases and joint wear and tear. In the case of infection, bacteria as well as other pathogens are responsible for the inflammation. They enter through an open wound and then infect the affected joints. Classic pathogens are streptococci, staphylococci, salmonellae as well as Haemophilus influenzae and Escherichia coli. If an autoimmune disease is present, the patient’s own immune system attacks the joints. Typical autoimmune diseases that trigger polyarthritis include psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, ankylosing spondylitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Chronic polyarthritis is one of the most common forms of joint inflammation. Metabolic diseases are also responsible for polyarthritis. Patients often suffer from polyarthritis when they have gout. In this case, the inflammation is triggered by the increase in uric acid, which is also popularly known as gout attack.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
Typical signs of polyarthritis are joint pain that occurs predominantly at rest and is accompanied by swelling of the joints. There is usually morning stiffness, which improves after some time with movement of the inflamed joints. At the beginning of the disease, the finger and wrist joints of both hands are usually affected, although the finger end joints are spared from the inflammation. The flexor and extensor tendons of the fingers can also be affected. In the further course, the progressive bone and cartilage degradation leads to malpositions of the corresponding joints, which result in significant movement restrictions. Fine motor skills are severely impaired, and later even everyday activities such as tying shoelaces can no longer be performed. Larger joints such as the shoulder, elbow, hip or knee can also be affected by the disease. Involvement of the cervical spine is also possible; polyarthritic changes in other parts of the spine are atypical. In about 50 percent, polyarthritis spreads to other organs. Inflammation of the blood vessels is common, which can result in circulatory problems and coronary artery disease. Nerve damage in the area of the inflamed joints is manifested by sensory disturbances, numbness, burning pain and occasionally paralysis. Infestation of the lacrimal and salivary glands is manifested by dry mouth and dry eyes.
Diagnosis and course
To diagnose polyarthritis, the physician requires several examination steps. Mainly, he takes the patient’s medical history and asks him about any symptoms. This is followed by physical examinations and a check of blood values. The attending physician also takes an X-ray image of the affected joints. First and foremost, the symptoms described by the patient provide a relatively good insight into whether polyarthritis is present. However, in order to provide an accurate diagnosis, the physician must also answer the following questions, such as which joints are affected and what symptoms have occurred.It is also advantageous for the patient to state how long he has been suffering from the described complaints. The fact whether the joint has been subjected to greater stress (for example, due to various sports) or whether there is an underlying disease (for example, gout) are also decisive factors for the diagnosis. The physician examines the affected joint for the fact whether there is swelling or redness. In polyarthritis, the inflammation level in the blood is often elevated. Classic features are an increase in leukocytes (the white blood cells), the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and CRP (the C-reactive protein). The course of the disease usually depends on why the polyarthritis developed. If it is an infection, the inflammation, after timely treatment, heals completely. In chronic forms of polyarthritis, it is possible that the process of inflammation is slowed down. However, a cure is not possible, so the patient must expect a worsening of the condition.
Complications
With polyarthritis, there is a risk of various complications if there is no treatment or if the condition is treated incorrectly. Thus, there is a risk of secondary diseases, severe damage to the joints, and a deterioration in the quality of life. Chronic polyarthritis is a systemic disease. This means that the inflammation can spread to internal organs such as the lungs and heart. The same applies to the blood vessels. In the worst case, rheumatoid arthritis threatens stiffening or deformity of the joints, resulting in disability. The sequelae of polyarthritis affect everyday things. For example, the affected person is sometimes no longer able to work on the computer because he or she can no longer operate the mouse and keyboard. In addition, professional activities or everyday life are impaired. It is not uncommon for patients to also suffer from disruptions to their night’s rest as a result of polyarthritis. For many sufferers, these restrictions on quality of life ultimately also affect their psyche. In the process, the affected individuals feel helpless or useless. In severe cases, there is a risk of anxiety as well as clinical depression. A serious effect of polyarthritis is inflammation of the heart, such as myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) or pericarditis (inflammation of the pericardium). As a result, there is a risk of congestive heart failure. In this case, the heart is no longer capable of transporting blood through the body without interference. Other complications of polyarthritis include anemia (anemia), osteoporosis (bone loss), or Sjögren’s syndrome.
When should you see a doctor?
Pain, discomfort, or irritability in the joints are considered unusual. If the discomfort persists, occurs repeatedly or increases in intensity, a doctor is needed. If the irregularities are due to physical overuse, the affected areas should be cooled. After some time of rest and relief, there is usually relief and subsequent freedom from symptoms. A doctor is not needed in these cases. If there is swelling, changes in the appearance of the skin or morning stiffness, there is cause for concern. If mobility is impaired or stretching and bending movements can no longer be fully performed, a visit to the doctor is advisable. If there is a decrease in physical resilience, a slightly elevated body temperature, a feeling of illness, and general uncertainty in locomotion, a doctor is needed. If disturbances in fine motor skills, a feeling of warmth in the joints and incorrect posture are evident, a doctor should be consulted. If the affected person suffers from emotional or mental abnormalities in addition to the physical irregularities, consultation with a physician is also necessary. Weepiness, depressive moods, withdrawal behavior or aggressive tendencies are indications of a health disorder that must be examined and treated. Sleep disturbances, problems with concentration, and a loss of quality of life should be discussed with a physician.
Treatment and therapy
The therapy of polyarthritis depends on the cause why the inflammations occurred. First and foremost, the affected joints must be immobilized and cooled.Painkillers help to treat the symptoms; many doctors also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and glucocorticoids (better known as “cortisone“). Antibiotics also help with acute inflammation, as do special drugs for rheumatism. Many physicians also recommend surgery to relieve the symptoms or cure the inflammation. Other treatment options include physiotherapy, occupational therapy and physical therapies. Especially in chronic diseases, the latter therapy options are often used, as many patients already complain of “stiff” joints.
Prevention
The patient can very well prevent polyarthritis. It is important that the joints are moved regularly and that there is an even load. This is favored with daily walks, cycling, gymnastics or even swimming. Furthermore, it is important that injuries are treated in time. Especially open wounds (near the joints) should be treated accordingly to prevent inflammation in the joints. It is also important that underlying diseases, such as gout, are treated and therapied regularly. Only if the prescribed medication is taken regularly, is it possible to prevent polyarthritis.
Follow-up
There are few measures or options for aftercare available to those affected by polyarthritis, so the first priority with this disease is to see a doctor as soon as possible to prevent further complications or discomfort. An early diagnosis usually has a very positive effect on the further course of the disease and can also prevent further complications. Therefore, those affected should contact a doctor at the first signs and symptoms of polyarthritis. Most of those affected are dependent on taking various medications. The correct dosage and also regular intake should always be observed in order to alleviate the symptoms properly and permanently. When taking antibiotics, it should also be noted that they should not be taken together with alcohol. Furthermore, polyarthritis can be well alleviated with the help of measures of physiotherapy or physiotherapy. The affected person can also perform many of the exercises at home and thus accelerate the treatment. Often, those affected are dependent on the help of other people in their daily lives, although the help and care provided by one’s own family in particular has a positive effect on the further course of the disease.
What you can do yourself
Polyarthritis is the best-known form of rheumatic diseases. If it is based on chronic inflammation, it cannot be cured. Nevertheless, its course can be alleviated. In addition to the medication prescribed by the doctor, dietary supplements can help, such as the active ingredients chondroitin sulfate, N-acetyl glucosamine and D-glucosamine sulfate. Chondroitin sulfate is a water-binding component of the body’s own cartilage substance. It ensures that the joint cartilage remains elastic. Glucosamine sulfate is also a building material of the body tissues that form cartilage, tendons and ligaments. N-acetyl glucosamine is said to stimulate cartilage cells to produce more collagen. The effects of the above substances have been confirmed as often as disproved by studies, but their intake is found to be helpful by some sufferers. Diet can also have a positive influence on polyarthritis. A diet rich in bases is recommended so that the inflammation in the body is not further fanned. Therefore, the diet should be low in meat but high in calcium and vitamins. Sour cherries or sour cherry juice are also said to lower inflammation levels in the blood. Scientists in Portland have found this out. For many patients it is relieving, if they can exchange themselves with other concerning. The German Rheumatism League (www.rheuma-liga.de) provides help for self-help, is represented in every federal state and can help with information and contact points.
