Arthralgia

ARTHRALGIA (from Greek arthron - joint and algos - pain), a term denoting the presence of sharp pain in the joints with relatively minor objective changes in them; the pain often moves from one joint to another, i.e., it has a migratory character. - Gonorrheal A. is one manifestation of the general gonotoxic disease of the entire organism with predominant involvement of the peripheral nervous system. Gonorrheal A. is observed not only in complicated gonorrheal urethritis, but also in a mild form in the first days after infection with gonococci, even in the prodromal period. The disease begins with pain in the joints, more often in the knee joints, the pain is not constant and moves from one joint to another. The main characteristic feature of gonorrheal A. is the severe pain in the joints without any objective changes in them, since in gonorrheal A. neither the joint cavity nor its ligamentous apparatus is affected, only the nerve branches. In mild forms, temperature may be normal, but in severe cases, temperature may rise, which is associated with the existing inflammation in the primary focus of infection, which is most often the seminal vesicles. The prognosis in gonorrheal A. is always favorable, but with a constant focus of intoxication, gonorrheal A. can be prolonged and recurrent. Treatment consists in local application of heat and in raising the general protective forces of the body through immunotherapy. (Lead A. - see Lead.)