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Lupus affects different people in different ways, but most people with lupus experience problems with their joints, muscles, or bones. Lupus can cause joint pain (arthralgia) and inflammation in and around the joints, resulting in problems like arthritis, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Joint problems related to lupus usually don’t cause long-term damage. Lupus can also cause inflammation in the muscles (myositis), usually in the hips, thighs, shoulders, and upper arms. Over half of people living with lupus report having muscle pain and/or weakness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle pain cause | Lupus itself or side effects of lupus treatments |
| Muscle pain intensity | Intense |
| Muscle pain location | Thighs, upper arms, hips, shoulders |
| Muscle pain treatment | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or prednisone; physical therapy; acupuncture; relaxation techniques like yoga, tai chi, or mindfulness meditation; heat therapy; exercise; distraction techniques |
| Muscle pain prevention | Physical activity plan; calcium- and vitamin D-rich foods to lower risk of osteoporosis and AVN; giving up smoking |
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What You'll Learn
Lupus arthritis
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to become overactive and attack healthy tissue. Lupus arthritis is a common symptom of lupus, affecting around 90% of people with the condition. It is caused by inflammation in and around the joints, resulting in pain, stiffness, swelling, and redness. Lupus arthritis can affect both large and small joints, including the knees, shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers, and toes. The arthritis seen in lupus patients is similar to rheumatoid arthritis, but it is less likely to cause permanent joint damage.
Joint problems related to lupus typically do not cause long-term damage. However, if lupus remains uncontrolled for an extended period, joint damage may occur even when the disease is not active. Lupus arthritis can be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen. In severe cases, steroids and immunosuppressive medications may be prescribed. Physical therapy and joint rest can also help ease the pain associated with lupus arthritis.
Lupus can also cause muscle pain and inflammation, known as myalgia and myositis, respectively. Myalgia refers to aches and pains in the muscles, commonly felt in the thighs and upper arms. Myositis, on the other hand, is inflammation of the muscles, usually affecting the hips, thighs, shoulders, and upper arms. The most common symptom of myositis is muscle weakness, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks. Myositis is typically treated with higher doses of steroids and, in some cases, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
It is important to note that the treatment plan for lupus arthritis and associated muscle pain may vary depending on the individual's specific needs and should be determined in consultation with a doctor.
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Tendonitis
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects the muscles, tendons, joints, and organs. It causes the immune system to attack healthy body tissue, resulting in inflammation and pain. This inflammation can affect the tendons, causing tendonitis, which is common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendons, which are tissues that connect muscles to bones.
Lupus can cause tendonitis, resulting in pain and inflammation around the joints. This can lead to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the wrists and hands, and bursitis, which affects the fluid-filled sacs that lubricate the joints. Tendonitis in lupus patients most commonly affects the shoulders, elbows, and fingers.
It is important to note that lupus can also increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition that weakens the bones. Additionally, prolonged use of high doses of glucocorticoids and steroids to treat lupus can lead to muscle weakness and bone damage. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a doctor before starting or stopping any medication.
Lupus is a complex disease that can affect multiple systems in the body. While tendonitis is a common manifestation of lupus, it is important to note that it is just one aspect of the disease. Lupus can cause a wide range of symptoms, and its impact on each individual may vary.
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Myalgia
Lupus affects different people in different ways. Most people with lupus experience problems with their joints, muscles, or bones. Lupus can cause joint pain and inflammation in and around the joints, resulting in problems like arthritis, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Joint problems related to lupus usually do not cause long-term damage. Lupus arthritis most often affects joints that are farther from the middle of the body, like fingers, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and toes.
Lupus often causes myalgia, or aches and pains in the muscles. Myalgia is the medical term for muscle pain, which has many causes. Many of them are easy to treat at home. But myalgia can also be a symptom of a disease, especially when it's widespread and long-lasting. It's important to take your pain seriously. If it's not improving, you might need medical attention.
Healthcare providers often classify myalgia as either localized (in one spot) or diffuse (all over). Localized muscle pain or soreness in one spot is more likely related to an event, like an injury or recent stress on that muscle group. On the other hand, diffuse, all-over body aches are more likely related to something affecting your whole body, like a disease.
The main treatment for muscle pain from lupus is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium. Joint rest and physical therapy can ease pain caused by tendinitis and myalgia. If these treatments don't work, your doctor might prescribe a low dose of prednisone, a type of steroid.
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Myositis
Lupus affects different people in different ways, but most people with lupus experience problems with their joints, muscles, or bones. Lupus can cause joint pain (arthralgia) and inflammation, resulting in issues like arthritis, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Lupus arthritis commonly affects joints farther from the body's core, such as fingers, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and toes.
In about 5-10% of lupus cases, the disease progresses to myositis, a condition characterised by muscle inflammation. Myositis is a rare disease that causes muscle weakness, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks like standing up from a chair or raising your arms. The inflammation associated with myositis can lead to pain, especially in the shoulders, upper arms, hips, and thighs.
There is no cure for myositis, but treatments can help control symptoms. Initial treatment often involves high doses of corticosteroids, followed by medications, physical therapy, exercise, heat therapy, assistive devices, and rest. In severe cases, immunoglobulin therapy may be offered to suppress the immune system's response.
It is important to note that lupus-related muscle and joint pain can be managed through a combination of treatments and lifestyle changes. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are commonly used to alleviate pain. Physical therapy and low-impact exercises like yoga, tai chi, or swimming can also help improve strength and flexibility while reducing joint pain. Relaxation techniques and mindfulness meditation can aid in taking the mind off pain and improving overall well-being.
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Avascular necrosis (AVN)
Lupus affects different people in different ways. Most people with lupus experience problems with their joints, muscles, or bones. Lupus can cause joint pain (arthralgia) and inflammation in and around the joints, resulting in problems like arthritis, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Joint problems related to lupus usually don't cause long-term damage.
Lupus can also cause inflammation in the muscles, known as myositis, which is less common than muscle and joint problems. Myositis usually causes painful muscle inflammation in the hips, thighs, shoulders, and upper arms. The most common symptom of myositis is muscle weakness, which can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks like standing up from a chair or raising your arms.
While the causes of AVN are not fully understood, it is associated with long-term use of high doses of corticosteroids, alcohol abuse, sickle cell anemia, pancreatitis, trauma, and other conditions. In lupus patients, AVN is almost always a result of corticosteroid use. AVN affects the hips, shoulders, and knees most commonly, with initial symptoms including pain in these joints, especially during weight-bearing activities. As AVN progresses, stiffness, muscle spasms, and limited movement in the affected joints may occur. Advanced cases of AVN may require surgery, such as artificial joint replacement, to relieve pain and restore movement.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, muscle pain is a common symptom of lupus. This pain is caused by inflammation and can be intense.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are the main treatment for muscle pain caused by lupus. Doctors may also prescribe low doses of steroids or prednisone. Alternative treatments like acupuncture can also be effective.
Muscle pain in lupus patients can be caused by the disease itself or by medication side effects. Lupus arthritis, fibromyalgia, and avascular necrosis (AVN) can also cause muscle pain.
Lupus arthritis causes swelling, tenderness, and stiffness in the joints. It most often affects joints farther from the middle of the body, like fingers, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and toes.
Lupus arthritis is typically less severe than rheumatoid arthritis, with less swelling and stiffness. Lupus arthritis also usually lasts for shorter durations and may change location from one joint to another.
