What Are the Treatments for Lupus Arthritis?

Compared to rheumatoid arthritis, lupus arthritis is less disabling. Nonetheless, it still causes pain, stiffness, swelling, tenderness and warmth in joint sites. If the arthritis is chronic or long-term, muscles may start to waste away. Treatments for this disease consist of medication, hormones, joint replacement, joint injections and biologics.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids such as prednisone or hydrocortisone are commonly used to treat lupus arthritis. These medications help to reduce joint inflammation.

Biologics

Biologics are a relatively new treatment for lupus arthritis. According to the website for The Lupus Foundation, biologics are genetically engineered compounds that interfere with cells impacting the immune system. Medications such as Abatacept act as antibodies and help to rid the body of harmful agents. Abatacept helps to prevent the activation of T cells and reduces the production of chemicals that destroy tissues, which can cause the symptoms of arthritis.

Hormones

Hormones are also a treatment type that is showing a great deal of usefulness. Many physicians are prescribing hormones such as Prasertone, which is a form of the hormone DHEA. According to the website for Arthritis Today, DHEA levels have been shown to be reduced in patients who suffer from lupus arthritis. Increasing these levels by using hormone replacement could help to boost the body's immune system and help to control inflammation.

Joint Replacement

The website for the Lupus Foundation reports that less than 10% of people will develop deformities in their hands and feet caused by lupus arthritis. In these cases joint replacement may be considered as a treatment option. When joints have been severely damaged and there is no benefit from medication, it is necessary to consider other treatment types. Joint replacement has been used in other cases involving rheumatoid arthritis and has shown a great deal of promise to lupus arthritis patients.

Joint Injections

Injections of corticosteroids are also an effective way of treating the symptoms of the disease. A person can have injections once every few weeks or months. These injections assist with improving mobility. This also helps to minimize the possibility of permanent damage to inflamed joints and the tissue around them.

References

• Arthritis Today; Supplement Guide: DHEA; 2009;
• Lupus Foundation of America; About Lupus; 2009;