Arthritis & Lupus

Table of Contents

Arthritis is often the first symptom of Lupus that is noticed.  It is also the most common Lupus symptom.  For some patients this may be the only symptom experienced. 

Definition:

Arthritis is defined as inflammation of a joint that is usually accompanied by pain, swelling, tenderness and stiffness.  In Lupus joints are typically warm and red and often fluid collects. 

Affected Joints:

In Lupus, multiple joints are affected at one time and the inflammation is symmetrical meaning joints on both sides of the body are typically affected at the same time.

Joints farthest from the trunk of the body such as the fingers, wrists, elbows, toes, ankles, and knees are affected most commonly in Lupus. 

How Joints are Affected:

Joints may be stiff upon waking up in the morning and gradually improve throughout the day.

Joint pain and fatigue may return later in the day.

Lupus arthritis typically does not cause destruction of the joints the way Rheumatoid Arthritis does.

Fewer than 10% of people with Lupus arthritis will develop deformities of the hands and feet called Jaccound Type Deformities. 

Diagnosis:

X-Rays of affected joints are normal in SLE.

Fluid drawn from affected joints will show a low grade inflammation. 

Treatment:

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories (NSAIDS) such as aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, Etodolac, and nabumetone are used to treat Lupus Arthritis. 

Antimalarials such as Plaquenil may be added when NSAIDS are not enough to control the arthritis.

When these treatments are still not enough, the next line of treatment is corticosteroids, usually Prednisone.

Physical and occupational therapy is also useful in the treatment of Lupus Arthritis.