We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Oligoarthritis?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 27,148
Share

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.

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.

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.

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.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By 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.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By Bertie68 — On Aug 13, 2011

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.

By BoniJ — On Aug 12, 2011

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.

By MrsPrince — On Jun 15, 2011

What are the chances that oligoarthritis will turn into polyarthritis?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-oligoarthritis.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.