Can lupus cause arthritis?

January 18, 2025

The Arthritis Strategy By Shelly Manning if you are suffering from painful arthritis for long then the eBook, The Arthritis Strategy, can help you in getting rid of its in just a few days by following its 21-day program. It includes some easy-to-do exercises as well as plans to change your eating habits to some extent to get the best and fastest results even if you are suffering from arthritis for since long.


Can lupus cause arthritis?

Yes, lupus can cause arthritis. In fact, arthritis is one of the common symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease. In lupus, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to inflammation and damage in various organs, including the joints.

How Lupus Causes Arthritis:

  • Inflammation of the joints: Lupus causes inflammatory arthritis, which typically affects the smaller joints of the hands, wrists, and knees. This inflammation can lead to pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints.
  • Autoimmune response: In lupus, the immune system produces autoantibodies that attack the body’s own tissues. This results in the release of inflammatory substances that target the joints, causing pain and swelling.
  • Joint damage: Over time, untreated or poorly controlled lupus arthritis can lead to joint damage, but it typically doesn’t cause the same kind of irreversible damage seen in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), another form of autoimmune arthritis.
  • Flare-ups: Arthritis in lupus can worsen during disease flares—periods when lupus symptoms are more active. During a flare, joint pain and swelling can become more severe.

Characteristics of Lupus Arthritis:

  • Joint involvement: Lupus-related arthritis often affects multiple joints, including those in the hands, wrists, knees, and elbows.
  • Non-deforming: Unlike some other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus arthritis usually does not cause joint deformities. However, it can cause significant discomfort and disability during active flares.
  • Morning stiffness: People with lupus arthritis may experience morning stiffness or pain in the affected joints.
  • Symmetry: The arthritis associated with lupus is often symmetric, meaning it affects both sides of the body equally (though this can vary).

Other Symptoms of Lupus Arthritis:

  • Fatigue: In addition to joint pain, lupus often causes fatigue, which can be exacerbated by arthritis.
  • Rashes: A distinctive butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose is a hallmark of lupus and may be seen in individuals with lupus arthritis.
  • Fever: Low-grade fever can also be a symptom of lupus flares.

Treatment of Lupus-Induced Arthritis:

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These may be used to manage joint pain and inflammation.
  • Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): Drugs like hydroxychloroquine are commonly prescribed for lupus, as they help control both the disease and its arthritis symptoms.
  • Corticosteroids: Oral or injected steroids may be used during lupus flares to reduce inflammation and relieve joint pain.
  • Biologic therapies: In some cases, biologic medications that target specific immune system components may be recommended for more severe cases of lupus arthritis.

Conclusion:

Lupus can indeed cause arthritis as part of the broader symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus. The arthritis typically involves inflammation in the smaller joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. However, with proper treatment, most people with lupus arthritis can manage their symptoms effectively and prevent long-term joint damage.

The Arthritis Strategy By Shelly Manning if you are suffering from painful arthritis for long then the eBook, The Arthritis Strategy, can help you in getting rid of its in just a few days by following its 21-day program. It includes some easy-to-do exercises as well as plans to change your eating habits to some extent to get the best and fastest results even if you are suffering from arthritis for since long.