What kind of lupus affects the muscles and joints?
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the type of lupus that affects muscles and joints. About 95 percent of people with lupus will experience arthritis or joint pain at some point.
SLE can cause several joint and muscle-related conditions:
Lupus Arthritis
This is a specific Show Full Answer
What kind of lupus affects the muscles and joints?
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the type of lupus that affects muscles and joints. About 95 percent of people with lupus will experience arthritis or joint pain at some point.
SLE can cause several joint and muscle-related conditions:
Lupus Arthritis
This is a specific type of arthritis that occurs with lupus. It typically affects small joints in the wrists, hands, and feet on both sides of the body, though it can also affect larger joints like shoulders, elbows, and knees. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, lupus arthritis usually doesn't cause permanent joint damage.
Other Joint and Muscle Issues
- Tendinitis (inflammation of tendons connecting muscles to bones)
- Joint swelling, pain, and stiffness
- Tendon laxity (loose tendons) that can cause bones to slip out of position
- Arthralgia (joint pain without arthritis)
The inflammation characteristic of lupus attacks healthy tissues in and around your joints, causing discomfort. For some people, joint symptoms are their main lupus complaint. Treatment typically includes anti-inflammatory medications like NSAIDs, antimalarial drugs like hydroxychloroquine, and other lupus medications depending on symptom severity.
March 7
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