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Peripheral arthritis is a form of arthritis that is seen more commonly in people who suffer from bowel problems like irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis. Although it is seen more frequently in people with bowel problems, it may also be seen in people who do not have these diseases. The symptoms of this condition are the same as that of other forms of arthritis. Symptoms include swollen, stiff and painful joints especially in the legs and arms. The pain may last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Inflammation is present and usually correlates with the extent of inflammation seen in the bowels. At first glance this appears like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. The symptoms of this disease are not very severe. It does not cause much damage and usually both sides of the body are affected. In other words, there is no symmetric joint involvement. In order to make a diagnosis, doctors may ask you details about your physical symptoms associated with bowel disease like constipation, blood in the stool, bloating. He may also run a series of tests to confirm diagnosis. If inflammation of the bowel is found in combination with symptoms of arthritis, peripheral arthritis may be diagnosed.
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