title: Early diagnosis crucial in polyarthralgia.
abstract: Polyarthralgia is a common problem with a wide range of differential diagnoses. Clinical assessment is the most important factor in making a diagnosis. History and examination should help to differentiate mechanical from inflammatory disorders, and investigations play a small role. Early intervention, regardless of aetiology, is the key to successful management. Treatment is likely to be a combination of lifestyle modification, physical therapy and medication, and this combined approach is most likely to negate the disability and chronic ill-health traditionally seen in patients with polyarthralgia.
authors.affiliation: Yorkshire Deanery, University of Leeds.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ley
authors.forename: Philip G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Conaghan
mesh_terms: D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018771:Arthralgia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000379:methods; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods; D012017:Referral and Consultation
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents