simultaneous or successive inflammation of several joints. It may appear independently as infectious nonspecific (rheumatoid) polyarthritis, or it may be caused by such diseases as rheumatism, sepsis, and gout. Symptoms are pain in the joints, local swelling, and hyperemia of the skin; stiffness and deformation of the joints may occur. Polyarthritis is treated with antibiotics, antihistamines, immunodepressants, analgesics, and anti-inflammatory agents. Physiotherapy is also recommended.