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Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Can lupus be responsible for causing this painful si joint issues. I’m experiencing pain in one knee and now upper back along base of neck.

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
NC

I feel that I am in a flare and I don’t know if I have more than one thing going on. I wake up every morning with my hips and buttocks hurting very badly but this tends to get some better as the day goes on but by evening it is getting worse again.

May 18
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A MyLupusTeam Member

Please see your rheumatologist, Frankie. You may be flaring.

May 19
MyLupusTeam

Yes, lupus can absolutely be responsible for the pain being experienced. What's being described — morning stiffness and pain in the hips, buttocks, knee, and upper back/neck that eases during the day but worsens again by evening — is a very recognizable pattern for lupus-related joint involvement.

Lupus causes inflammation Show Full Answer

Yes, lupus can absolutely be responsible for the pain being experienced. What's being described — morning stiffness and pain in the hips, buttocks, knee, and upper back/neck that eases during the day but worsens again by evening — is a very recognizable pattern for lupus-related joint involvement.

Lupus causes inflammation that can affect joints and surrounding tissues throughout the body, including:

- Hips and buttocks — lupus can reduce blood flow to the bones (a condition called avascular necrosis or AVN), which is especially common in the hips
- Knees — lupus arthritis can affect larger joints like the knees
- Neck and upper back — joint pain and stiffness from lupus can affect the neck and upper areas of the body

The morning pattern makes a lot of sense too. When joints stay still during sleep, inflammation causes them to stiffen up. Movement during the day helps loosen things, but fatigue and ongoing inflammation can cause pain to creep back by evening. A MyLupusTeam member shared something very relatable: *"My hips feel like they are being crushed at times."*

It's really important to contact a doctor or rheumatologist soon, especially if a flare is suspected. They can help determine whether everything is connected to lupus activity or if something additional needs attention. Catching any bone or joint involvement early can make a big difference in preventing further damage.

In the meantime, some things that may help include:

- Gentle movement during the day to reduce stiffness
- Warm showers in the morning to help loosen joints
- Rest when pain peaks, especially in the evening
- Avoiding overexertion, which can worsen inflammation

Please don't wait too long to reach out to a care team — the pattern of symptoms described really deserves a proper evaluation. 💙

May 18
A MyLupusTeam Member

My most recent blood work and labs were in January. Recent enough to make that call???

May 20
A MyLupusTeam Member

I really feel it is lupus. I am dumbfounded as to why rheumatologist dismissed it. I figured she would say come in and we will do bloodwork. I’m going to try again with Celebrax. Maybe one a day rather than two. I need something for pain. I’m trying to work and it’s difficult.

May 19

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