What Does Polyarthritis Mean?

Polyarthritis is a term used when at least five joints are affected with arthritis. Several different diseases ranging from rheumatoid arthritis to infection diseases can lead to polyarthritis.

What is the difference between polyarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

The terms polyarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are often used interchangeably. While they are related, they don't mean the same thing. RA is a disease, while the other two are ways of describing a particular case of arthritis (how many joints are affected and the genesis of the disease).

What is the treatment for polyarthritis?

Treatments for polyarthritis are typically the same as for autoimmune diseases. They include: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), and Voltaren (diclofenac) can help relieve pain and stiffness.

Marcus Vance

Marcus Vance

Cybersecurity & Digital Privacy Researcher

Marcus Vance is a cybersecurity auditor and technology writer dedicated to educating the public about online safety, data privacy regulations, enterprise security, and emerging cyber threats.