I think inflammatory arthritis is the same as an auto-immune disease. In my case, I was officially diagnosed with "inflammatory polyarthritis" because I have a negative RF (rheumatoid factor). But this is basically understood as "seronegative rheumatoid arthritis." Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, is the kind of arthritis that typically happens to a lot of people as they get older.

like @A myRAteam Member, was originally diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis...
Rheumys PA blamed it on 7 months of Levaquin for MRSA. Except the pain & swelling never went away. It got worse! (years later I saw the records - she said it was all in my head - attention seeking )
I finally got in to see the Rheumy everyone suggested & he put me on Plaqunil that day.... MTX was a few months later. I am RA negative as well. I am also on the last biologic there is available right now.... so I guess my attention seeking finally got me noticed??? LOL (all of the others have worked to start with & then they fail... )

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A myRAtea...

I would think inflammatory arthritis is probably not an autoimmune disease like RA but I would have your Dr clarify.

RA is a systemic inflammatory disease that has no cure. You really need to take medication because it slows down the progression and damage that this disease causes. It is an autoimmune disease that affects joints, muscle, tissue and your organs. I've lived with severe RA for almost 25 years.

RA is autoimmune disease. Your white blood cells attack your red blood cells, and you get every bug and flu around. Plus you are so tired, and your hands and feet swell and hurt. It is a real bummer.