What Is Polyarticular Arthritis?

Polyarticular arthritis is a form of rheumatoid arthritis that causes pain and swelling in five or more joints. It can strike adults and children. Typically, polyarticular arthritis affects larger joints like the knees but can also impair small joints in the hand, feet, neck and jaw.

Causes

• Polyarticular arthritis can be caused by several things, including viruses, infections, bacterium, hyperthyroidism, Lyme disease and congenital abnormalities.

Features

• Polyarticular arthritis is usually symmetrical, meaning it affects both sides of the body in the same joints, such as both wrist joints.

Identification

• A rheumatologist usually performs a physical exam and orders lab tests and imaging procedures to diagnose polyarticular arthritis. If she can identify the cause of the arthritis, she will be able to formulate a better treatment plan.

Expert Insight

• For polyarticular arthritis caused by Parvovirus B19 or of unknown origin (idiopathic) in children, immunoglobulin therapy can offer improvement of symptoms, according to the results of a 2003 study performed by the Clinic of Pediatrics at Medizinische Universität Lübeck, et al, in Lübeck, Germany.

Treatment

• Treatment includes heat therapy, non-steroidal inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, joint immobilization and immunosuppression. Methods used depend on whether the doctor can identify the underlying cause and if it is treatable.