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Are Polyarthritis, Inflammatory Arthritis, and RA the Same Condition?

By Carol & Richard Eustice, About.com

Updated: October 9, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD

Question: Are Polyarthritis, Inflammatory Arthritis, and RA the Same Condition?

Are polyarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) the same condition?

Answer:

Polyarthritis Vs. Inflammatory Arthritis

Polyarthritis

Polyarthritis is a nonspecific term for arthritis from any cause, that involves 2 or more joints.

  • Arthritis Screening Quiz
  • What are the Types of Arthritis and Related Rheumatic Conditions?
  • Test Your Knowledge: Types of Arthritis and Rheumatic Conditions
  • Inflammatory arthritis

    Inflammatory arthritis is a condition where arthritis is present because of localized joint inflammation.

  • Inflammation: The Battle Within
  • Test Your Knowledge: Inflammation
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

    Rheumatoid arthritis is classified as an inflammatory polyarthritis because it involves many joints all of which are damaged to some degree by inflammation and it’s sequelae.

  • Guide to Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis Screening Quiz
  • Test Your Knowledge: Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Related Resources

  • Types of Arthritis / Rheumatic Diseases / Related Conditions
  • Joint Pain
  • Fast Facts About Arthritis
  • Rheumatism, Rheumatic Disease, and Arthritis: Are They the Same?
  • (Answer provided by the late Dr. Raymond Federman, aka Dr. Bones, who passed away on September 2, 2003. The care of his patients even in retirement was always his joy.)

    More Arthritis Q&A
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