Polyarthralgia

What issues you should cover

Assessment —Is her joint pain simple arthralgia, degenerative joint disease, or an inflammatory arthropathy, or is it secondary to some other cause?

History —Ask whether she has had any swelling around the joints, morning stiffness, nocturnal pain or pain at rest, or recent viral or throat infection. Check for systemic features such as fever, weight loss, or fatigue. She may have bowel or bladder symptoms, and her eyes or skin may be affected. Is there a family history of rheumatoid arthritis? Other features may be prolonged repetitive use of hands; mood changes, altered sleep pattern, or lack of energy; and use of over the counter drugs or complementary treatment.

Examination —Which joints are affected? Check for symmetrical presentation and proximal interphalangeal or metacarpophalangeal joint swelling (absence of groove between knuckles on making a fist); inflammation and range of movement of joints; hand function, assessed by grip strength and ability to hold objects or write; nodules around elbows or shins; nodes at distal (Heberden's nodes) or proximal (Bouchard's nodes) interphalangeal joints; and pitting of nails. Be alert to risk factors such as overweight, sedentary lifestyle, heavy physical work, repetitive work, or previous joint injury, all of which might indicate osteoarthritis.

What you should do

• If there is no active inflammation, consider simple arthralgia. Reassure her and advise her to take simpleanalgesics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Consider fibromyalgia if she has more generalised pain and signs of depression. Encourage positive lifestyle changes and ask her to return in four weeks.

• If features indicate osteoarthritis, reassure her and explain the nature of the problem (wear and tear). Advise analgesics or NSAIDs (or both), offer lifestyle education, and encourage exercise and weight loss. Refer her for physiotherapy if needed.

• If swelling and features of inflammation are present, consider an inflammatory arthropathy (the commonest cause is rheumatoid arthritis). Consider further investigations such as a full blood count (for anaemia), markers of inflammation (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, plasma viscosity, C reactive protein), rheumatoid factor, and radiography of the hands.

• In the absence of contraindications start treatment with NSAIDS. Long acting preparations usually offer more sustained control. Consider a cyclo-oxygenase-2 selective inhibitor, as long term treatment is likely to be needed. Advise her to rest affected joints when they are inflamed. Consider referring her to occupational therapy for splinting and home aids.

• If the diagnosis is rheumatoid arthritis or a seronegative inflammatory arthropathy, explain the nature of the condition and that referral to hospital for specialist assessment, education, and long term support would benefit. Give positive messages: several treatment modalities are available that can slow down disease progression; chronic disability and “ending up in a wheelchair” are now the exception rather than the norm.

• Arrange early referral. Meanwhile consider starting a disease modifying antirheumatic drug—sulfasalazine and methotrexate are the most common first line treatments. (Chest radiography is advisable before methotrexate treatment because of possible pulmonary side effects.) Remember that these drugs require regular haematological and biochemical monitoring. Liaise with local rheumatologists if in doubt.

• Short term use (6-12 weeks) of low dose oral corticosteroid (<7.5 mg prednisolone a day) relieves symptoms and may slow progression.

• Arrange follow up in four to six weeks for clinical assessment, reinforcement of earlier advice, and evaluation of home and social circumstances.