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A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Bridgeport, CT
May 6, 2025
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MyLupusTeam

How can avascular necrosis (AVN) be treated in lupus patients?

Physical therapy can be an important part of managing pain and maintaining bone and muscle health for lupus patients. When pain increases or lupus symptoms flare up, it's essential to work with your rheumatologist to adjust your treatment plan.

Treatment should be Show Full Answer

How can avascular necrosis (AVN) be treated in lupus patients?

Physical therapy can be an important part of managing pain and maintaining bone and muscle health for lupus patients. When pain increases or lupus symptoms flare up, it's essential to work with your rheumatologist to adjust your treatment plan.

Treatment should be customized for each person based on disease severity. Your doctor may prescribe medications like immunosuppressants (azathioprine/Imuran, belimumab/Benlysta) or antimalarials (hydroxychloroquine/Plaquenil) to help control underlying lupus activity. For pain management, your doctor may recommend different medication options. However, if opioid medications are prescribed, they should be used carefully under close medical supervision due to risks of dependence.

Some people find relief through complementary approaches like acupuncture when used alongside their prescribed medical treatments. The key is working closely with your healthcare team to find the right combination of treatments that helps manage your symptoms while minimizing side effects.

May 6, 2025
A MyLupusTeam Member

Thanks @A MyLupusTeam Member. A part of that is me sleeping on my replaced joints. In my sleep, I either turn on my hip or shoulder. I have been trying to be more conscious of it. After both surgeries, I felt like a new person.Each person's experience is different. I firmly believe that doing physical therapy as instructed is the key to a good recovery.πŸ’œ

May 7, 2025 (edited)
A MyLupusTeam Member

Joann, what MrsV describes is what I've seen in a few patients over the years. It's the rare person whose pain level is tolerable without a joint replacement, and I hope you get relief soon. @A MyLupusTeam Member, I'm sorry you still deal with pain after the hip replacement!πŸ’•

May 7, 2025
A MyLupusTeam Member

@A MyLupusTeam Member When I started complaining about hip pain from AV, I was referred for physical therapy. It helped but then it became necessary for me to have a total hip replacement. The bone had deteriorated too much. Joint replacement is not a cure-all. Many people like myself still experience pain but there is a remarkable difference in the pain level before surgery. I continue to do the exercises I learned. Probably not as much as I should but I do notice an improved difference. Please let us know what your treatment plan will be.

May 6, 2025 (edited)

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