Abstract

A CASE OF POLYARTHRALGIA WITH JOINT DISORDERS MANIFESTATIONS AND ACUPUNCTURE MANAGEMENT

*Dr. G. Nithyakala and Dr. N. Mangaiarkarasi

ABSTRACT

Polyarthralgia is a common presentation in primary care. Because chronic arthritis may be presenting abruptly, so there is need to consider in patients who presents with acute polyarticular pain. This pain frequently poses as diagnostic challenge as there are extensive differential diagnoses. Numerous classic rheumatological laboratory testings are not specific and radiographs shows to be normal or show only non-specific changes early in the disease process. A thorough history and a complete physical examination are essential for accurate diagnosis. ACUPUNCTURE has a positive effect when treating many diseases and painful conditions, and therefore is considered to be useful as a complementary therapy or to substitute generally acknowledged pharmacological intervention. The advantageous effect of acupuncture has been investigated in inflammatory diseases, including asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, complex regional pain syndrome type 1 and vasculitis. Treatment goals of PA includes, acupuncture management of symptoms, preventing complications and immunosuppressive agents. The present case report deals with a patient of PA (associated with OA and symptoms mimicking RA) came for Acupuncture treatment. The diagnosis of PA has been made and treated accordingly. The diagnosis and line of treatment with acupuncture is suitable to manage the condition of PA especially when it is associated with ‘Rheumatoid Arthritis’like symptoms.

Keywords: PA, Polyarthralgia; RA, rheumatoid arthritis; RF rheumatoid factor; SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus; CRP C-reactive protein; CCP Antibody cyclic citrulinated peptide; Sss-Secondary Sjögren’s Syndrome; TCM, Traditional Chinese medicine; QI, energy flow.