What is Polyarthritis.

Hi can you tell me what forms of arthritis
are classed as polyarthritis i have a condition called Ankylosing Sponylitis i
looked on the web and it says it is i also
osteoarthritis both conditions have been
judged to be severe my spine is fused and
also my neck and both hips need replaceing
and should i be exempt of the pca test i
had ib150 for three years and never had a
medical regards ruffles

`Polyarthritis` is any type of arthritis which involves five or more joints — an inflammation of two, three or four joints is called oligoarthritis. Polyarthritis is most often caused by an auto-immune disorder such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

To be exempt from the PCA for this type of disease, it has to be active and progressive and there has to be medical evidence to this effect, preferably from a Rheumatologist.

pata1 wrote:

`Polyarthritis` is any type of arthritis which involves five or more joints —

Thanks for that.I have arthritus in far more than five joints in my back and osteo porosis in the rest.

Osteoporosis is a condition that affects the bones, causing them to become thin and weak and is a totally different condition to arthritis which is inflammation in the joints.

Osteoporosis is common in those who have to take high doses of drugs called steroids for inflammation in any part of the body. e.g. asthmatics on high doses of steroids often suffer with osteoporosis, as do those with arthritis who take steroids long term. The suffix 'itis' means inflammation.

Those with osteoporosis frequently suffer from spontaneous fractures because of weak and thin bones. Sometimes extra calcium supplements and Vitamin D can help, but you need to consult your GP/ Consultant to see if they would benefit you.

pata1 wrote:

Osteoporosis is a condition that affects the bones, causing them to become thin and weak and is a totally different condition to arthritis which is inflammation in the joints.

I know, I have both, and have been there, done that, burned the T-shirt and won the tribunal because of the bone density scan which I have my own copy of.

My reply was mainly directed to ruffles, who was the original poster, who asked what polyarthritis is. Using my nursing experience I gave a definitive answer.

However, was pleased it was help to you also.

My comments on osteoporosis were aimed at others who may be reading this post, to explain the difference between it and arthritis, including polyarthritis.

All types of arthritis are diseases of the joints, whilst osteoporosis can affect any part of bone(s) not just the joints.