Polyarthritis is characterized by inflammatory pain in more than 4 joints simultaneously. It is often associated with autoimmune musculoskeletal diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, autoimmune myositis, polymyalgia rheumatica, and Sjogren's syndrome.

Dr. Truong Tri Khoa, from the Department of Internal Medicine and Musculoskeletal at Tam Anh General Clinic, District 7, states that there is currently no definitive cure for polyarthritis. Treatment methods primarily aim to control pain and inflammation in multiple joints, limit the risk of related complications, improve patients' quality of life, and maintain daily activities.

Dr. Khoa explains a patient's health condition. Photo: Tam Anh General Clinic, District 7

Polyarthritis treatment protocols typically combine physician-prescribed medication with a healthy lifestyle, including a nutritious diet, regular physical exercise, and adequate rest.

Medication treatment includes pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. These help reduce joint stiffness and inflammatory damage in multiple joints, slowing disease progression. In some cases, doctors may prescribe biologic therapy to suppress the inflammatory response, preventing the disease from worsening. Dr. Khoa notes that steroid injections can also be used to reduce inflammation and control pain. However, steroid injections are not a long-term solution due to potential severe side effects with frequent and prolonged use.

Non-pharmacological treatment

Regular physical therapy and exercise can help reduce joint stiffness by increasing joint lubrication, strengthening muscles around the joints, and reducing joint pressure. Suitable activities include swimming, walking, and cycling. Patients should exercise at an appropriate intensity, get sufficient rest, and stop immediately if they experience pain or other abnormalities.

A nutritional regimen should focus on anti-inflammatory foods rich in omega-3s, calcium, and antioxidants to reduce pain, swelling, and protect joint cartilage. Patients should incorporate fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), dark leafy greens, fruits, and olive oil, while limiting red meat, processed foods, alcohol, sugar, and salt.

Surgery may be considered if joints are severely damaged, deformed, or if significant pain limits movement despite optimal medical treatment. The choice of surgical method depends on the joint's location, the extent of damage, the condition of surrounding tissues, and the patient's overall health.

Physical therapy helps improve range of motion and muscle strength for polyarthritis patients. Photo: Tam Anh General Clinic, District 7

Dr. Khoa indicates that if not well-controlled, polyarthritis can lead to various complications that reduce quality of life, such as permanent joint deformity, spinal damage, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The disease can also affect other organs, including the heart, lungs, eyes, skin, and kidneys.

To limit the risk of complications, patients should seek medical attention immediately if they notice signs such as frequent joint stiffness and pain/swelling in multiple joints simultaneously, pain lasting more than 30 minutes (especially in the morning), or painful joints that are swollen, red, and slightly warm to the touch. This also applies if multi-joint swelling and pain recur within a short period, or if symptoms persist for more than 3 days. Diagnosed patients must adhere to their doctor's instructions and attend regular follow-up appointments for potential treatment protocol adjustments.

By Phi Hong