What Is Lupus Arthritis?
Lupus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disorder that affects about 1.4 million people in the United States. Approximately 90 percent of people who have lupus experience joint and muscle pain associated with the disease. Lupus arthritis is the most common cause of joint pain in lupus sufferers; about 35 percent of people who have SLE have lupus arthritis.
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Effects
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Lupus arthritis causes pain and swelling in the joints, which may be accompanied by tenderness and a feeling of warmth. All-over morning stiffness usually occurs with lupus arthritis. Fluid may also collect in the joints, which can cause pressure and additional swelling. Lupus arthritis does not usually cause permanent deformity to the joints or serious joint damage, although it can be a very uncomfortable condition.
Features
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Lupus arthritis does not affect the neck and spine. Joints furthest from the center of the body are most likely to be affected. Some common sites for lupus arthritis include the fingers, hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, feet and toes. Lupus arthritis generally occurs in a symmetrical pattern. The same joints are affected on both sides of the body.
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Considerations
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Many different conditions, some caused by lupus and some not, can cause joint pain and swelling in patients who have lupus. Joint problems in lupus patients are often assumed to be caused by lupus arthritis, even if the symptoms don't fit. People who have lupus can also have rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, bone necrosis, bursitis and tendinitis. Joint infections can also cause similar symptoms in lupus patients. Determining exactly which problem is causing joint pain is important so that the best treatment can be chosen.
Identification
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Lupus arthritis is difficult to diagnose because most of the tests for the condition will have positive results in anyone who has lupus. X-rays in patients with lupus arthritis are usually normal, and joint fluid tests show only slight inflammation. Lupus arthritis is diagnosed by physical examination, tests to rule out other conditions, and a detailed history of symptoms.
Prevention/Solution
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Treatment for lupus arthritis consists of the same medications typically used to treat lupus. Dosages may need to be adjusted to control arthritic symptoms in lupus sufferers, but some combination of NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen), anti-malarials (such as Plaquenil) and corticosteroids (such as prednisone) are normally used. Physical therapy and low-impact exercise, such as swimming or water aerobics, can also be helpful.
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