Migrating Arthritis

Migrating arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that is comparatively fleeting. Instead of chronic pain in the same area of the body, migrating arthritis may affect one joint for a short time, then proceeds to another joint group, and so on. The movable nature of this form of the disease can make diagnosis difficult; according to the American Academy of Family Physicians the diagnosis is often left open while symptoms are treated. Treatment can include the use of standard pain relievers.

Synonyms

• Migrating arthritis is more commonly called migratory arthritis. The terms polyarthritis or polyarticular may be used to indicate more than one joint is affected. Infectious arthritis is another phrase to indicate migrating joint pain if underlying illness is the source.

Causes

• Rheumatic fever, gonorrhea, lupus and Lyme disease are all common causes of migratory arthritis, according to the National Institutes of Health and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Characterization

• Redness, pain and swelling of the joints are symptoms characteristic of migratory arthritis, though the pain may only last for a few days in any given joint group. When the pain resumes in another joint, it is often an asymmetrical joint, such as not in the opposite hand, for example. The inflammation can affect both large and small joints.

Duration of Symptoms

• The duration of symptoms may depend on the extent of the underlying infection. Gonococcal arthritis, an after-effect of having gonorrhea, is a form of migrating arthritis that may last for a few days. Arthritis that is the result of rheumatic fever may travel throughout the body for several weeks, according to the British General Practice Notebook.

Demographics

• Younger people are more likely to develop migrating arthritis, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Lupus, rheumatic fever and strep infections that prompt this form of joint pain can even effect children.