Lupus joint pain

Lupus and Joint Pain

Joint pain in lupus is a consequence of harmful effects of antibodies to the joints. Lupus is autoimmune disease which may affect numerous organs in the body including joints. Joint pain is only one of the symptoms caused by this disease. Apart from joints lupus may also affect the kidneys, heart, lung, skin and blood cells.

The diagnosis of lupus can be set after thorough examination of the patients and certain tests. Since, the symptoms basically depend on the affected organ they may easy setting of the diagnosis or make the process harder. The definitive diagnosis can be set after the blood has been checked for antibodies which are common for lupus. The damage of the affected organs, including joints can range from mild to severe and, for example, some patients may only have to deal with skin changes while others have to undergo dialysis since the function of their kidneys have been completely destroyed by the illness.

Symptoms of Lupus

Symptoms of lupus are rather various. Join pain may affect numerous joints of the body such as shoulder, joints in arms or legs, hips and so on. Joint pain does not have to be isolated symptom and majority of patients additionally complain about additional symptoms.

General symptoms of lupus include red rash, fever and pain in muscles. Chest pain can also occur and is more intensive when a patient is lying. Patients who are suffering from lupus develop extreme reaction after being exposed to the sun comparing to healthy people.

Lupus can also cause painless sores of the mouth or nose, decrease in white and/or red blood cells and serious damage of the kidney function. Some patients develop serious mental illnesses and suffer from seizures.

Treatment for Lupus and Treatment for Lupus Joint Pain

Intake of plenty of water may be beneficial since it increases lubrication of the joints and their mobility. Patients who have to deal with joint pain and are suffering from lupus are commonly prescribed ibuprofen and acetaminophen. These medications can be effective in elimination of pain in patients who only have to face joint pain.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease and requires proper treatment against inflammation and consequent damage. Patients are initially treated with large doses of corticosteroids and once the patient has responded to the therapy doses are reduced to minimum required to control the disease. Since joint pain in lupus is a consequence of inflammation patients will definitely benefit from therapy with corticosteroids. Only if the damage is severe the pain may be permanent.