Introduction

Did you know almost 10 million people in the UK are affected by arthritis? Arthritis is a term used to describe joint inflammation, which can be acute, developing rapidly and lasting for a short period (days to weeks), or chronic, progressing slowly and worsening over an extended duration, ranging from months to years. There are two common types of arthritis you must know: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis affects individuals indiscriminately, impacting both adults and children without exception.^1,2,3

Arthritis can manifest in different forms affecting either a single joint (monoarticular), 2-4 joints (referred to as oligoarticular), or several joints (polyarticular). This article specifically focuses on polyarthritis. 

A brief definition of polyarthritis

Polyarthritis is a broad term used to describe inflammation that impacts multiple joints simultaneously with arthritis, typically affecting a minimum of five joints or more. Polyarthritis can arise from various conditions, spanning from rheumatoid arthritis to infectious diseases. While polyarthritis is not a distinct form of arthritis, the term is often used by medical professionals to describe your condition. It is important to recognise symptoms early for prompt medical attention and diagnosis.¹

Polyarthritis symptoms

Joint pain

Polyarthritis involves inflammation in multiple joints, leading to the experience of pain in various joints. This pain can manifest as either intermittent or persistent discomfort.^1,3,4

Joint swelling

Joint swelling is characterised by the noticeable enlargement or ‘swelling’ that affects multiple joints. The swelling often leads to discomfort, limiting the range of motion and causing difficulties in performing daily activities. 

Your polyarthritis may be further characterised and described as symmetric or asymmetric arthritis. Symmetric arthritis occurs when half of the affected joints display a balanced pattern. In this context, a balanced pattern means the swelling is evenly distributed on both sides of the body.

For example, if you experience swelling in your right knee, there is a corresponding swelling on your left, so both knees. Asymmetric swelling refers to unbalanced and uneven swelling, potentially impacting one side of the body more than the other. 

Stiffness

Stiffness in polyarthritis refers to the sensation of reduced flexibility and ease of movement in multiple joints. This sensation is particularly noticeable after a period of inactivity, such as when you wake up in the morning. This experience can vary in severity and duration, with some individuals it may be brief and others may deal with prolonged stiffness. The extent and duration often depend on the specific underlying condition accompanying polyarthritis. 

Fatigue and weakness

Polyarthritis may be characterised by a widespread impact on energy levels, frequently attributed to joint inflammation. This contributes to a feeling of fatigue and a decrease in physical strength, leading to weakness and potential weight loss. 

Warmth and redness 

When you have inflamed joints, you usually have increased blood flow, leading to warmth in the affected area. You may feel tenderness when you touch these areas. Redness may be noticeable, and it is frequently a result of increased blood flow in the inflamed joints.

Causes of polyarthritis

When diagnosed with arthritis, it’s important to note that you may also be diagnosed with polyarthritis, or you could develop polyarthritis as a result of various underlying conditions. This article aims to outline several conditions that may lead to the diagnosis of polyarthritis.^1,4

Here is a table to outline some conditions that can lead to polyarthritis: 

Healthcare professionals need to assess and identify underlying conditions, including the presence of polyarthritis, to develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. Early intervention is essential to manage symptoms effectively and prevent joint damage. 

Diagnosis and evaluation 

Diagnosing polyarthritis involves a comprehensive approach, with various steps that aid in identifying the condition. This process also plays a crucial role in the differential diagnosis, allowing for the accurate identification of the underlying cause of a patient’s symptoms while systematically excluding other potential causes.¹ 

The method of diagnosis and evaluation can include:

• anamnesis, a healthcare professional delves into a patient’s medical history by inquiring about current illnesses and disorders
• physical examination, a healthcare professional assesses signs and symptoms across multiple systems including the lungs, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and nervous
• laboratory tests are an essential component for differential diagnosis, this can include complete blood counts, urinalysis and biochemical tests
• radiological methods which can involve ultrasound, X-ray CT, MRI and PET-CT

Summary 

• Polyarthritis occurs when arthritis affects five or more joints, making you feel like all your joints hurt
• Beyond the sensation of pain, you might also notice swelling of the joints, stiffness, warmth and redness in the affected joints due to inflammation. These symptoms frequently contribute to feelings of fatigue and weakness
• Arthritis diagnosis may also involve a concurrent diagnosis of polyarthritis
• Polyarthritis could develop due to various underlying conditions
• It is important to seek medical attention when experiencing symptoms for early diagnosis and effective management