Lupus can have a significant impact on joints. Learning how to care for joints while exhibiting symptoms helps maintain an overall sense of well-being and decreases the risk of future problems.

Lupus joint pain can cause general stiffness—usually in the morning—that gets somewhat better as the day progresses. Although lupus joint pain may not be actual arthritis, the pain and discomfort #LupusWarriors feel is very real. Continue reading to learn more about joint pain and lupus and ways to alleviate it.

Common Joint Pain for #LupusWarriors—Lupus Arthritis

Joint pain is often one of the first signs of disease activity for #LupusWarriors. As stated previously, the pain and stiffness are worse in the morning. The medical term for morning pain is arthralgia. As the body gets going and loosens up, the pain can diminish. For some #LupusWarriors, the discomfort can creep back up later in the day at full force.

Lupus joint pain typically affects fingers, wrists, and knees. Other major joint areas like ankles, elbows, and shoulders are not typically affected as much but are a definite possibility.

As with rheumatoid arthritis, the pain mirrors on both sides of the body—if the right knee hurts, the left will hurt too. Another similar symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is the arthritic joint nodules. #LupusWarriors, however, rarely develop physical distortions symptomatic of rheumatoid arthritis such as collapsed ankles.

Impacts of Lupus Arthritis

The joint pain can come with swelling and heat. In fact, painful swollen joints are some of the first signs of lupus. Although temporary, when a person is in an increased disease state, the swollen and warm joints can significantly impact daily activity.

When experiencing joint pain from lupus, the main goal is to keep pain at an endurable and bearable level. Trying not to perform strenuous activity—in some cases, no activity at all—can speed recovery time and just help with maintaining an overall sense of well-being.

Ways to Take It Easy

Take a Bath: Soaking in hot water can loosen stiff joints. Try adding some Epsom salts and essential oils to create the ultimate relaxing experience.

Get Comfortable: Sit or lie down in a way that’s conducive to watching the kids, answering emails, or catching up on your favorite TV show. Avoiding putting pressure on the inflamed joint will help tremendously with pain management and recovery.

Phone a Friend: A friend can help out in a few ways during joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. He or she can help gently move the joint in all directions to prevent it from fully locking up. A friend can also help pitch in around the house. They can help fix or pick up meals, clean, walk the dog, watch the kids, and help out in whatever way you need them. This is what friends are for—don’t be afraid to ask for help.

When You Can’t Take It Easy

For those who may not be able to take the day off, go easy and talk to a medical provider about pain relief medication. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories are an excellent pain relieving treatment option; i.e.: aspirin.

This Too Shall Pass

Lupus arthritis or joint pain from lupus is very much a secondary manifestation of the condition. It’s real, it’s intense, but it will go away. Relying on friends and relaxation techniques can help ease the pain and keep the body comfortable during a flare. Take it easy and know there is a community of people out there for support