M06.4: Inflammatory polyarthropathy

Inflammatory polyarthropathy (ICD-10 code: M06.4) is a medical condition characterized by inflammation (swelling and redness) affecting multiple joints in the body. People with this condition often experience pain, stiffness, tenderness in more than one joint, and sometimes even limit motion due to the discomfort. The exact cause isn't known but it's thought to involve the immune system attacking the body's own tissues, especially the synovium. This is a thin layer of cells lining the joints and producing a fluid that helps to lubricate them. The inflammation can eventually lead to joint damage and deformity, if left untreated. It can occur at any age but is more common in middle-aged and older adults, and may affect men and women equally. The course of this condition can greatly vary between individuals, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe and occasionally changing daily or even hourly.

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