Polyarthralgia is a condition affecting more than one joint (arthralgia) resulting in swelling (inflammation) and pain.
Once a separate condition, it is often associated with fibromyalgia, a condition manifested by generalized muscle pain and fatigue.
Polyarthralgia
The physical manifestation of polyarthralgia is inflammation of a joint’s synovial membrane causing:
• swelling
• heat
• redness
• pain
• tenderness
• limited movement
The condition is migratory in that it moves from one joint to another, most frequently affecting the hips, knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists. Individuals with this condition often complain of joint stiffness and the inability to use the joint’s full range of motion.
Fibromyalgia
In my junior year of nursing school I took care of a patient with bruise-like pain in her arms and legs. Her laboratory and X-rays came back normal leaving the doctors to believe that the condition was psychological in nature. Almost two decades later depression is still considered the underlying cause of fibromyalgia (10-Minute Consultation, BMJ-PubMed Central, April 9, 2003).
Gradually the condition gained recognition as a true physiological illness. The Fibromyalgia Health Center states that:
“Fibromyalgia syndrome affects the muscles and soft tissue. Fibromyalgia symptoms include chronic pain in the muscles, fatigue, sleep problems, and painful tender points or trigger points at certain parts of the body.”
The Fibromyalgia/Polyarthralgia Connection
There has been a lot of confusion about the relationship of these two conditions. But it is important to realize that they are two separate conditions:
• Fibromyalgia affects muscles and soft tissue.
• Polyarthralgia affects the joints.
Some patients complain of both generalized muscle aches with joint involvement while others don’t.
Fibromyalgia/ Polyarthralgia Assessment
A doctor’s investigative skills are most prominent during the assessment stage, with all of the following components playing an integral role in determining a correct diagnosis:
• Complete medical history
• Complete medication review
• Full physical exam
• Diagnostic testing
The assessment data is a critical piece not only in determining an accurate diagnosis but in determining the correct treatment modalities. If the diagnosis is wrong, treatment will be wrong, look at the symptoms of polyarthralgia, it could mimic a variety of conditions:
• Simple arthritis
• Degenerative joint disease
• Inflammatory disorder
• Mechanical (joint) problem
• Injury
In conclusion, the two conditions are not the same and therefore should not be treated as the same. Part II of this two-part series will explore levels of disability and treatment options.
Resources
PubMed Central. 10-Minute Consultation. Accessed April 4, 2009WebMD.
Fibromyalgia Health Center. Accessed April 4, 2009.
About the Author
Dr. Mundorff is the author of several books. Her latest, Take Control: A Guide to Holistic Living is an innovative health guide, which helps the reader learn how to regain control of their health by discovering the practical effectiveness of combining alternative and modern medicine.
Disclaimer: Dr. Mundorff is a Board Certified Naturopath, and not a medical doctor. The information in this column is for educational purposes only and should not be used to self-diagnose and treat diseases. Naturopathy is a complementary practice and should be used in conjunction with a competent physician. Many herbal and homeopathic remedies can actually be contraindicated in many health conditions, with certain prescriptions, and over-the-counter medications. Please consult your physician before starting any alternative modalities.
See Related Articles
Read Part 2 - a treatment plan for Polyarthralgia and Fibromyalgia , in The Polyarthralgia and Fibromyalgia Connection – Part II of a Two-Part Series.
See Fibromyalgia Symptoms Helped by Synthetic Marijuana to learn how people with fibromyalgia may have another treatment option in controlling their symptoms and improving quality of life.
Read Fibromyalgia and Your Sex Life for more information about intimacy with Fibromyalgia.
