Question

My physician told me several years ago that I had something called peri-arthritis. He told me that the kind I had affected the muscles and not the bones, and that 'peri' meant many. He said that this type of arthritis would worsen as I got older and that it could affect all the muscles in my body including the heart, lungs etc. I would like to find out exactly what type of arthritis I have.

Answer

The term peri-arthritis usually refers to aching, stiffness and pain in the joint area suggesting arthritis. In fact, the symptoms really originate from muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues surrounding the joint. Peri-arthritis does not refer to many joints, and I think you are confusing this term with the condition polyarthritis. ('Peri' means 'around' and 'poly' means 'many'.)

Polyarthritis refers to multiple arthritic joint involvement and may be associated with whole-body organ involvement. There are numerous types of arthritis, i.e. rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, etc., that fit the category of polyarthritis. We do not have enough specific information about your case to provide you with a definite diagnosis. However, if you consult with a local rheumatologist, you will get a better idea. It never hurts to get a second opinion, and it will do wonders to ease your mind.