Oligoarthritis is joint inflammation affecting two to four joints, which can progress to polyarthritis. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and swelling. Treatment options include anti-inflammatory medication, cold compresses, gentle exercise, and physical therapy.
Oligoarthritis is a form of joint inflammation in which two to four joints are involved. In some cases the inflammation may remain at this level, while in others it may progress to involve multiple joints and become polyarthritis. People can have onset at any age, and a variety of treatment options are available to patients with the condition, depending on the cause of the inflammation, the patient’s age, and other factors.
This word comes from the roots of “few”, “joint” and “inflammation”. It literally means “inflammation of some joints”, to counteract inflammation in a single joint or inflammation in more than five joints. Commonly, oligoarthritis involves the large joints of the body, although any joint can be involved. Common targets are the thumb, knee and hip.
Joint inflammation can cause stiffness, pain, cracking and other problems. People may also experience warmth and swelling around the joint and may notice symptoms worsen at different times or after strenuous activity. A doctor can conduct an evaluation to learn more about where the pain is and to explore possible causes of the inflammation. This evaluation may include the use of medical imaging studies to see inside the joint without conducting invasive procedures.
Pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is sometimes called oligoarthritis because it affects only a few joints. In this case the onset is at a young age, although many people associate arthritis with aging, initially involving a few joints and then progressing to other joints in the body. With any form of oligoarthritis, it is generally not classified as oligoarthritis until symptoms persist for six months or more, indicating that chronic inflammation is present in the joints. A patient may need to see a rheumatologist for a specialized diagnosis and treatment.
Joint inflammation such as that seen in this condition can be treated in a number of ways. Anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to reduce heat and swelling, and patients may also apply cold compresses to reduce swelling in the joints. If the joints are painful, medications may be given to manage the pain and keep the patient more comfortable. Sometimes gentle exercises like swimming and yoga can help relieve inflammation, and physical therapy is another option. Physical therapy can also help patients build strength so that if their joints degenerate, they will be prepared.
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