Symptoms Of Migratory Arthritis: Causes And Natural Treatment

Millions of people are known to suffer from perhaps the oldest ailment in world called arthritis. It is a condition characterized by pain and inflammation in joints. Migratory arthritis as the name suggests is a form of arthritis where the symptoms typically shift from one joint to another. The symptoms do not stay in one place for long.

As pain in one joint begins to improve, it starts in another joint. Because of migratory nature of pain, stiffness and swelling, this form of arthritis is difficult to diagnose.

Most symptoms typically spread in joints on the same side of the body. Although the condition can develop in those who already suffer from arthritis, it is predominantly caused due to an underlying illness in the body. Management includes standard anti inflammatory drugs and pain killers, along with treatment of underlying disease which is responsible for flare up of this condition.

What Are The Causes Of Migratory Arthritis?

Most cases of migratory arthritis are caused due to an underlying ailment. Suffering from different types of arthritis such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout definitely increases the chances of shifting joint pains; there are several other illnesses which can cause migratory arthritis.

No age is exempted from arthritis, but this form of arthritis is more common in young people

• Gonococcal arthritis: It occurs in patients suffering from gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease. The bacterial infection causes inflammatory changes in the joints. Gonorrhea can spread through intimate physical contact with an infected person. Besides acute symptoms such as burning urination, fever and rash, the disease can cause migratory arthritis.
• Rheumatic fever: Rheumatic fever arthritis continues to be a major scourge of young population in developing countries. Rheumatic fever is caused due to streptococcal infection in the throat, especially if the condition remains untreated. The exact mechanism between the joint and the infection is not well understood, but it is believed to be an overreaction of the immune system which produces inflammatory changes in the joints. Besides migratory joint pain, patient may also have other symptoms such as high fever, throat pain, tiredness, skin rash etc.
• Infectious arthritis: Bacterial infection of skin caused due to wounds and cuts can spread into the synovial lining of a joint through the bloodstream. It can involve multiple joints.
• Migratory arthritis is also common in people suffering from hepatitis B and C, HIV infection, lupus and people with recent episode of bowel infection.

How To Treat Migratory Arthritis Naturally?

Migratory arthritis is difficult to diagnose because of its shifting nature. But initial difficulty can change in time with peculiar shifting pain and swelling to offer diagnostic clues. Certain blood tests such as RA and ANA may turn positive in time. Once migratory arthritis is confirmed treatment becomes easy for the physician.

• To alleviate pain and swelling, the physicians prescribe non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs. However, these medicines can produce side effects if they are taken for longer time. Therefore, with conventional medicines, patient should try to change his life style to prevent recurrent episodes.
• Omega 3 fatty acid is known to reduce inflammation. Fish and flax seeds contain high amount of omega 3. Patient should include these foods in their diet.
• Physiotherapy exercises and normal walking or swimming for 30 minutes helps to reduce the flare ups in a long run. Wherever possible, treating the underlying illness (for example gonorrhea) can substantially improve the condition.