Migratory arthritis is a condition in which the discomfort spreads from one joint to the next. As the symptoms in one joint subside, symptoms in another joint appear, usually in an asymmetrical location. Migratory arthritis can occur in persons who already have other types of arthritis such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), gout, or lupus. However, it may also be a result of other serious illnesses such as rheumatic fever, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, hepatitis B and C, and serious bacterial infections. Because it is impossible to foresee when arthritis may spread, it is critical to begin therapy as soon as possible when symptoms appear.
Signs and Symptoms
Pain in a particular joint is sometimes the first sign that alerts you to the possibility of arthritis or another health problem. When the pain subsides and then migrates to another joint, you may have migratory arthritis.
Additionally, redness around noticeably swollen joints, which can be accompanied by rashes, fever, warmth, stiffness, and weight changes. When it comes to arthritis migration, chronic inflammation is frequently a deciding factor in how arthritis progresses.
Treatment
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and aspirin are often given to patients with arthritis to help minimize the inflammation and pain. In some cases, when severe inflammation is present, corticosteroids are usually injected directly (locally) into the afflicted joints and/or around the tendons. For skin abnormalities, using topical corticosteroids, usually in the form of a cream or lotion, may help reduce inflammation and facilitate healing. The use of Systemic corticosteroids (oral medicines or medicine that is delivered directly into a vein (intravenously or IV) however has been found to be less effective in treating inflammatory arthritis when compared to alternative treatment options.
Managing your pain
Although medications play a key role in migratory arthritis treatment, physical therapy and lifestyle changes can aid in the improvement of joint function.
When you have arthritis, it is critical to maintain an active lifestyle. Many people are concerned that exercise would exacerbate their discomfort or cause further damage to their joints. However, your joints are made to move. A sedentary lifestyle will only make your muscles and tissues surrounding them become weaker. When your joints become unstable, it may also affect your mobility and physical independence.
Arthritis can cause joint stiffness and muscular weakness, which can interfere with your daily activities. Your physical therapist will evaluate your muscle strength and the range of motion in your joints as well as the frequency with which you suffer symptoms. Having your therapist thoroughly examine the joint and your ability to move it will allow them to determine exactly what the source of your pain is and help you with other methods of pain relief that work alongside your medications. Usually, your therapist will create a customized treatment for you that can help build muscle around the joints to strengthen the support, increase joint flexibility, and aid in joint stiffness reduction.
There are a number of things a physical therapist can help you with. In addition, your physical therapist can teach you to gradually increase your activity level and figure out how much recuperation is appropriate in between sessions. They can also advise you on how much exercise you need for your joint pain to prevent you from overdoing it.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/faqs.htm
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12061-arthritis
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