Joint pain is one of the most common symptoms during lupus flares, affecting about 95% of people with lupus. During flares, joints may become swollen, warm, sensitive, and painful. This can make everyday activities challenging, especially in the morning when stiffness is often at its worst.
Common symptoms during a lupus Show Full Answer
Joint pain is one of the most common symptoms during lupus flares, affecting about 95% of people with lupus. During flares, joints may become swollen, warm, sensitive, and painful. This can make everyday activities challenging, especially in the morning when stiffness is often at its worst.
Common symptoms during a lupus flare include:
• Joint and muscle pain
• Rashes (including butterfly rash)
• Fever
• Extreme fatigue
• Headaches
• Stomach discomfort
• Dizziness The joint pain in lupus can occur in two ways:
• Arthritis (joint pain with swelling)
• Arthralgia (joint pain without swelling)
The pain typically affects joints symmetrically - meaning it occurs on both sides of the body. It commonly impacts small joints like wrists, hands, and feet, but can also affect larger joints like shoulders, elbows, and knees. Unlike some other conditions, lupus-related joint pain usually doesn't cause permanent joint damage.
September 22, 2025