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Polyarthritis and oligoarthritis

Last updated: August 6, 2025

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Polyarthritis and oligoarthritis are conditions characterized by swelling and/or pain affecting multiple joints. Causes are diverse and include infections, autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, crystal deposition, and osteoarthritis. The most common causes of polyarthritis are hand osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Clinical evaluation involves a focused history and physical examination to assess joint involvement patterns and pain characteristics and evaluate for synovitis and extra-articular symptoms. Synovitis and/or extra-articular features often suggest an inflammatory or autoimmune cause. Diagnosis varies based on the suspected condition but may include laboratory studies (e.g., CBC, inflammatory markers) and imaging (e.g., x-rays) of affected joints. Additional studies and specialist referral may be considered based on clinical suspicion. Management varies depending on the underlying cause and may include symptomatic treatment, disease-modifying agents, and/or treatment of infection.

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Etiologytoggle arrow icon

Conditions are listed under their most common presentation.

Oligoarthritis (≤ 4 joints) [1][2][3]

Polyarthritis (≥ 5 joints) [1][2][3]

The most common causes of polyarthritis are hand osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. [2]

Common causes by pattern and course

Oligoarthritis and polyarthritis by pattern and course
Symmetrical Asymmetrical

Acute (< 6 weeks)

Chronic (≥ 6 weeks)
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Clinical evaluationtoggle arrow icon

Focused history [2][4][5]

Infectious causes of polyarthritis (e.g., viral arthritis, rheumatic fever) are typically acute in onset. [2]

Focused examination [1][2][3][4]

Musculoskeletal examination

Synovitis is a typical feature of inflammatory polyarthritis or oligoarthritis (e.g., infections, autoimmune conditions, gout, CPPD disease) but is usually mild or absent in patients with osteoarthritis.

Thoracolumbar and/or sacroiliac joint involvement commonly occurs in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, enteropathic arthritis, and reactive arthritis but is rare in rheumatoid arthritis. [2]

Extra-articular examination

Extra-articular features suggest an autoimmune or inflammatory cause of oligoarthritis or polyarthritis.

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Diagnosticstoggle arrow icon

General principles

Approximately 30% of patients with early inflammatory arthritis are eventually diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. [6]

Initial studies [2][3][5]

Laboratory studies

Carefully consider the clinical indication before requesting any diagnostic study to avoid false positives; autoantibodies may be elevated in healthy individuals. [1]

X-rays

Obtain x-rays of the affected joints.

Additional studies [2][3][5]

Obtain additional studies based on the suspected cause.

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Common causestoggle arrow icon

Common causes of oligoarthritis and polyarthritis [2][3][4]
Condition Characteristic clinical features Diagnostic findings Management approach
Rheumatoid arthritis
Hand osteoarthritis
SLE
Viral arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis
Reactive arthritis
Enteropathic arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis

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