Managing Lupus Symptoms: Joint Pain

Joint pain is often one of the first symptoms people with Lupus experience. In this article, learn what causes it and how to manage Lupus joint pain.

What Causes Lupus Joint Pain?

Lupus can cause arthritis, tendonitis, tendon laxity, or carpal tunnel syndrome, all of which lead to joint pain and inflammation. Lupus can also cause muscle pain, muscle inflammation, and muscle weakness. People with Lupus are at an increased risk, both because of Lupus itself and because of the high doses of steroids often used to treat Lupus, for Osteoporosis and Avascular Necrosis. 

Related: Chronic Pain: Is Hemp Pain Relief Right for You?

How Can I Prevent and Manage Lupus Joint Pain?

The first step to managing pain associated with Lupus is to manage the disease itself with medication. However, you should speak with your doctor if you believe a medication is increasing your pain levels. 

In addition to medication, there are several options for pain management, including:

• Applying heat or cold, including taking a hot bath or shower
• Applying a pain relief cream or pain relief patch
• Using a TENS unit
• Wearing braces or splints, KT tape and compression garments to support joints and reduce inflammation 
• Using self-massage tools like a massage gun or an acupressure mat 
• Practicing relaxation techniques like meditation 

Related: Music Therapy and Chronic Pain

Consider keeping a diary of your pain, what triggers it and what alleviates it to track patterns and find the best pain management techniques for you.

Continue reading through the series on managing Lupus symptoms:
Hair loss
Fatigue
Fevers
Photosensitivity
Mouth and nose ulcers