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What is Oligoarthritis?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

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, involving more joints and turning into polyarthritis. People can experience the onset at any age, and there are a variety of treatment options available for patients with this condition, depending on the cause of the inflammation, the age of the patient, and other factors.

This word is derived from the roots for “few,” “joint,” and “inflammation.” It literally means “inflammation of a few joints,” to contrast it from 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, the knee, and the hip.

Oligoarthritis may occur in the thumbs.
Oligoarthritis may occur in the thumbs.

The inflammation in the joints can cause stiffness, pain, cracking noises, and other issues. People may also experience heat and swelling around the joint, and can note that symptoms appear worse at different times or after heavy activity. A doctor can conduct an evaluation to learn more about where the pain is located and to explore possible causes for the inflammation. This evaluation can include the use of medical imaging studies to see inside the joint without conducting invasive procedures.

Cold compresses may help relieve pain associated with oligoarthritis.
Cold compresses may help relieve pain associated with oligoarthritis.

Pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is sometimes called oligoarthritis because it only involves a few joints. In this case the onset occurs in youth, despite the fact that many people associate arthritis with aging, and it involves a few joints at first, progressing to other joints in the body. With any form of oligoarthritis, it is generally not classified as oligoarthritis until the symptoms have persisted for six months or more, indicating that chronic inflammation is present in the joints. A patient may need to consult a rheumatologist for specialized diagnosis and treatment.

Oligoarthritis may occur in the knees.
Oligoarthritis may occur in the knees.

Joint inflammation such as that seen in this condition can be treated in a number of ways. Antiinflammatory drugs may be prescribed to reduce heat and swelling, and patients can also apply cool compresses to bring down the swelling in their joints. If the joints are painful, medications can be administered to manage pain and keep the patient more comfortable. Gentle exercise such as swimming and yoga can sometimes help to ease inflammation, and physical therapy is another option. Physical therapy can also help patients develop strength so that if their joints degenerate, they will be prepared.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Bertie68

A relative of mine developed oligoarthritis. I did some reading about this form of rheumatoid arthritis and learned some things about this illness. It is an autoimmune disease.

The doctors tried a couple of medication on her, but none were very effective. After that, she started to get injections of Remicade. She responded quite well. But some people get some pretty serious side effects. It always suppresses the immune system. This can cause repeated infections.

Even if this drug is strong and can have some serious side effects, it is a real help to people like my relative.

BoniJ

Oligoarthritis seems to be a type of arthritis that fits under the category of rheumatoid arthritis, rather than the "wear and tear" type - osteoarthritis.

A friend of mine thinks that her grandson has oligoarthritis or maybe even polyarthritis. He is only 21 and has had worsening symptoms for a couple of years.

He has a lot of pain and has trouble with daily activities. The doctors have had difficulty diagnosing his problem, but after a few more tests, they hope to have a definite diagnosis.

Then he can start getting some medication and physical therapy to help him feel and function better.

MrsPrince

What are the chances that oligoarthritis will turn into polyarthritis?

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    • Oligoarthritis may occur in the thumbs.
      By: Sandor Kacso
      Oligoarthritis may occur in the thumbs.
    • Cold compresses may help relieve pain associated with oligoarthritis.
      By: Lovrencg
      Cold compresses may help relieve pain associated with oligoarthritis.
    • Oligoarthritis may occur in the knees.
      By: Africa Studio
      Oligoarthritis may occur in the knees.
    • Swimming may help relieve discomfort associated with oligoarthritis.
      By: ElinaManninen
      Swimming may help relieve discomfort associated with oligoarthritis.
    • Yoga may be beneficial to people suffering with oligoarthritis.
      By: magann
      Yoga may be beneficial to people suffering with oligoarthritis.
    • Physical therapy may be beneficial for people suffering from oligoarthritis.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Physical therapy may be beneficial for people suffering from oligoarthritis.
    • Oligoarthritis is a kind of joint inflammation that can occur in the hip joint.
      By: videodoctor
      Oligoarthritis is a kind of joint inflammation that can occur in the hip joint.