Migratory joint pain is pain that is felt in a variety of joints that occurs at random intervals with/without warning signs or other symptoms. This strange condition has researchers baffled because they are unable to determine a definitive cause. Diagnosing and treating the condition is a challenge for medical professionals.
There a two different forms of migratory joint pain. These categories are:
- Age and general wear and tear
- Immune system disorders
A family history is helpful in diagnosing the cause of migratory joint pain. Age-related changes are often made worse by activity while immune caused pain is present in the morning and improves with activity. Joint problems are generally diagnosed by rheumatologists. Evaluation by a specialist is necessary.
Joint pain is common. According to statistics, approximately 52.5 million Americans were diagnosed with arthritis in 2012 and 2013. Sometimes the pain only affects one part of the body and others experience the pain migrating to other joints. The condition is common in cases of gonorrhea.
There are many possible causes including:
- Hepatitis
- Bacterial endocarditis
- Whipple’s disease (caused by bacterial infection)
- AIDs (weakens the immune system)
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (a condition where the body attacks itself)
- gonococcal arthritis
- rheumatoid fever
- inflammatory arthritis – rheumatoid arthritis
- fibromyalgia
- migratory arthritis
Symptoms of migratory joint pain may include:
- swelling in the joint that occurs rapidly
- more intense pain than typical arthritis
- Joint stiffness
- difficulty moving the joint or contracture
There is no cure for the condition; however, symptoms can be managed through:
- Exercise and alternative therapies
- Diet and supplements – like omega-3 fatty oils, Glucosamine and Chondroitin
- Anti-inflammatory medications – like Diclofenac and ibuprofen and Naproxen
The pain can be managed by incorporating the above suggestions. It can be hard to avoid thinking about the condition and it is triggered by other illnesses or health issues as well. It is important to be diagnosed by a doctor. Don’t ignore the pain.
There is little information about migratory joint pain in and of itself but, finding a diagnosis requires physical assessment, history, and other therapeutics to determine possible causes for the ongoing condition.