Palindromic rheumatism: What it is, symptoms, and outlook

Palindromic rheumatism is a form of inflammatory arthritis. This means that it causes inflammation, pain, and swelling around the affected joints.

In this article, we take a close look at palindromic rheumatism, examining its causes, symptoms, and outlook.

What is palindromic rheumatism?

Unlike other forms of arthritis, the symptoms of palindromic arthritis come and go without leaving permanent damage in the joints. The pain may come and go suddenly and can arise in different joints.

In the English language, ‘palindrome’ means a word that is spelled the same both backward and forward.

Hence, palindromic rheumatism attacks tend to begin and end with the same mild symptoms. The symptoms peak in the middle of the attack.

Palindromic arthritis affects men and women equally and can affect people of any age. It is most common in people between the ages of 20 and 50 years old.

About 50 percent of people with palindromic rheumatism eventually develop rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Differences between palindromic rheumatism and arthritis

Palindromic rheumatism and RA are both autoimmune disorders. However, they have different effects on the body.

In other forms of arthritis, the tissues in the joints are worn down over time, causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness.

Palindromic rheumatism causes the same symptoms, but, the affected joints return to normal in between attacks. Unlike other forms of arthritis, attacks do not cause lasting damage to the joints.

The symptoms of palindromic rheumatism usually start in one joint but can spread to others.

The attacks can last several hours or days. Some people will experience attacks daily, whereas others may only experience them a few times a year. People may notice a pattern in the frequency of their attacks.

The symptoms of palindromic rheumatism during attacks include:

• swelling and redness in one or more joints
• stiffness in affected joints
• swelling and soreness in the tendons or other tissue around the joints
• fatigue
• restricted mobility
• a low-grade fever

People will not usually experience symptoms between attacks.

The condition does not cause permanent joint damage, but people with palindromic rheumatism can develop more severe forms of arthritis, which may then cause lasting joint damage.

As with any form of arthritis, people can make some lifestyle changes to manage their symptoms.

Regularly exercising is essential for keeping joints healthy. Rheumatism can restrict mobility and make movement uncomfortable. Nevertheless, inactivity can cause the surrounding muscles to break down, and damage the affected joint itself.

Stretches and exercises that promote flexibility, range-of-motion, and muscle strength around the affected joints can reduce the severity of attacks, as the joints will move more easily and have more support.

People should discuss an exercise plan with a doctor or physical therapist. This is vital, so they ensure it is set at the right intensity and does not include any exercises that put too much stress on the affected joints.

Maintaining a healthy weight can also help reduce symptoms. Being overweight can put additional strain on joints, which can make symptoms worse. A regular diet and exercise routine can help.

Medication

Medications can be beneficial when a person is trying to manage their symptoms and slow down the progression of arthritis. These include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), taken regularly, can control inflammation and reduce discomfort and joint stiffness.
• Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can be prescribed by a doctor to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.

Doctors usually prescribe DMARDs when inflammation is severe and long-lasting. They are slower acting than NSAIDs and have more side effects.

People should note that DMARDS are immunosuppressants, meaning they suppress the immune system, and a person may be more likely to develop infections.

Steroid injections

In rare cases, a doctor can inject steroids into the joint to reduce inflammation immediately. They may recommend this when the joint or tendon has become extremely inflamed and is causing significant discomfort.

Outlook

Palindromic rheumatism is not associated with any critical health risks.

According to Arthritis Research UK, the outlook for palindromic arthritis is as follows:

• around 10 to 15 percent of people will see their symptoms disappear
• around 30 to 50 percent will have only occasional attacks
• between 30 and 40 percent will experience problems that worsen

Palindromic arthritis can cause severe discomfort, particularly if the attacks are frequent or lasting. In some people, it can lead to conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause permanent damage to joints.

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