Arthritis is a collective term that refers to a large grouping of conditions, all of which cause swelling in your joints and/or pain in one form or another.
It’s an autoimmune disease, which just means that your body’s immune system has become confused and is attacking your healthy cells.
Migratory arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects multiple joints in the body, causing pain and inflammation that "migrates" or moves from one joint to another over time.
Usually, there’s a “migratory pattern”, which is where one or more of your joints experience arthritis for a period of time. Eventually, those joints stop being affected (called remission), and the symptoms then appear in other joints (seeming to move or “migrate”).
This is generally seen in asymmetric joints and can come on very quickly. Migratory patterns should not be confused with an “intermittent pattern,” which is where you have a flare of symptoms in all the same joints followed by remission.
A migratory pattern is also different from an “additive pattern,” which is where only a few of your joints are affected by arthritis at first, but over time, more and more joints start to experience symptoms.
This condition can be challenging to diagnose and manage due to its unpredictable nature, but fortunately, there are several treatment options available.
Symptoms of Migratory Arthritis
Migratory arthritis affects different joints at different times, making it difficult to identify a consistent pattern of symptoms. However, there are some common signs to look out for:
Joint Pain and Inflammation
The primary symptoms of migratory arthritis are joint pain and inflammation, which can range from mild to severe. Pain usually sets in suddenly and can last for a few hours to a few days before moving on to another joint.
Redness and Warmth
Affected joints may appear red and feel warm to the touch due to inflammation. This symptom is not always obvious, so you may want to compare how your skin looks when you know you’re not having symptoms to how it looks when you are.
Stiffness and Limited Mobility
Joints may feel stiff, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity, leading to difficulty in movement.
Swelling
The inflamed joints may also become swollen, which can make it challenging to perform daily activities.
Fatigue and Fever
In some cases, migratory arthritis may be accompanied by general feelings of fatigue and a low-grade fever.
Deformity
When your joint is affected by arthritis, it becomes inflamed — the inflammatory cells in your immune system collect in your joint and form a layer.
This abnormal tissue growth is called a pannus, which acts as a sort of new organ, releasing chemicals that erode your bones and damage your cartilage and surrounding ligaments. As a result, the shape of your joints can change and deform.
Sometimes this deformity can get so bad that you lose function in your joints. In these cases, you might need to consider joint replacement surgery.
Causes of Migratory Arthritis
Migratory arthritis can be caused by various factors, including infections, autoimmune disorders, and other medical conditions. Some of the most common causes are:
- Rheumatic fever: This is a rare but serious complication of untreated strep throat caused by Streptococcus bacteria. Rheumatic fever can cause migratory arthritis as well as damage to the heart, skin, and nervous system.
- Lyme disease: This tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi can lead to migratory arthritis in some cases.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, which may lead to migratory arthritis in some individuals.
- Autoimmune disorders: Conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can cause the immune system to attack healthy tissues, resulting in migratory arthritis symptoms.
- Reactive arthritis: This type of arthritis occurs as a reaction to an infection in another part of the body, such as the urinary or gastrointestinal tract. Reactive arthritis can cause migratory joint pain and inflammation.
- Sarcoidosis: This is a condition where inflammation causes lumps to form in your tissues, usually around your lungs and lymph nodes.
Treatment Options for Migratory Arthritis
The treatment for migratory arthritis depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms. Some of the most common treatment options include:
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can help reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, corticosteroids or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may also be prescribed to manage symptoms.
- Antibiotics: If migratory arthritis is caused by an infection, antibiotics will be necessary to treat the underlying infection and alleviate arthritis symptoms.
- Physical therapy: A physical therapist can help improve joint mobility and reduce pain through a combination of exercises, stretching, and other techniques.
- Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and getting adequate rest, can help manage migratory arthritis symptoms and improve overall well-being.
- Balancing physical activity: While regular exercise can be extremely beneficial for just about anyone, it can be especially beneficial for people with arthritis. However, overexertion can cause additional damage and make your joints worse. It’s important to strike a balance and find the amount of exercise that works best for you.
- Assistive devices: Using assistive devices, such as braces or splints, can provide support to affected joints and alleviate pain. Though you may feel that this is something only people with “advanced” arthritis should do, it can often reduce symptoms before your arthritis has progressed.
Migratory arthritis can be a challenging condition to manage due to its unpredictable nature and varying symptoms. However, by understanding the potential causes and seeking prompt medical attention, patients can effectively manage this condition and maintain a good quality of life.
If you suspect you may have migratory arthritis, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
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