Palindromic rheumatism: Why is treatment so challenging?

Palindromic rheumatism is a rare type of inflammatory arthritis. Treatment can be challenging because the attacks are so difficult to predict.

Palindromic rheumatism is characterized by sudden and recurrent attacks of painful swelling of the joints and surrounding tissues. Attacks may last for several days or just a few hours. Between attacks, pain and swelling completely disappear.

Once an attack starts, treatment may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Intra-articular injections with corticosteroids
• Oral prednisone

To help prevent attacks, your doctor may prescribe:

• Colchicine, an anti-inflammatory medication
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

Although palindromic rheumatism can recur over many years, it doesn't usually cause permanent joint damage.