Lupus Joint Pain Treatments

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the skin, organs and other body tissues. Lupus joint pain affects about 90% of those with this disease.

Medications

LUPKYNIS: LUPKYNIS (voclosporin) is a medication used to treat lupus nephritis, a complication of lupus, an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks its own tissues.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These may be used on and off in the short-term to address flare-ups. It’s advised not to take these for longer than two weeks as this can negatively impact the kidneys and gastrointestinal system.
Antimalaria drugs: Medications that treat malaria have been found to also help address joint pain and fatigue associated with lupus.
Biologics: Anifrolumab and belimumab are often prescribed to suppress the antibodies linked to lupus. This addresses inflammation and symptoms at the source.
Corticosteroids: In more severe pain situations, corticosteroids may be given via pill or injection to help lower inflammation.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): These medications can help prevent continual joint damage by changing how lupus impacts your body and reducing inflammation.

Diet

Maintaining a whole-food diet and incorporating various nutritional food options can support your body and health in many different ways. A 2021 scientific review even showed that following an anti-inflammatory diet may help reduce lupus flare-ups and symptoms. This usually means:

Avoiding or limiting processed foods.
Consuming more vegetables and fruits.
Incorporating more antioxidant-rich foods (like berries).
Opting for healthy, omega-3-rich foods (like salmon and walnuts).
Limiting caffeine intake.
Avoiding alcohol.
Staying hydrated by drinking water throughout your day.

While limited research exists on this treatment method, proper nutrition should never be underestimated when it comes to making health improvements.

Exercise

Exact exercise recommendations will vary from individual to individual. However, exercise can help strengthen the joints, reducing pain and stiffness. Talking to your doctor about what is right for you here is best. They may refer you to a physical therapist, who can help determine a suitable exercise program (with progressions) for you and your specific situation.

What is Lupus?

As mentioned above, lupus is an autoimmune disease. It happens when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, including the joints. This activates antibodies, mounting a defense similar to the body fighting off a virus. In fact, in 50-70% of people with lupus, the cytokines—proteins that regulate inflammation—released are at levels comparable to a viral response.

This inflammation can cause swelling in the joints, leading to achiness and pain. But joint pain isn’t the only symptom associated with lupus.

Other symptoms may include:

Skin rashes (which may be more noticeable after being in the sun).
Fatigue.
Mouth or nose ulcers.
Hair loss.
Weight loss.
Fever.
Lymph node swelling.
Depression.
Anxiety.

In more serious situations, lupus can impact the kidneys, heart, lungs or brain. Close monitoring is essential to prevent complications and adverse health effects.

Interestingly, lupus is more common in women than men. Yet, experts aren’t sure why it happens in the first place. It’s thought that both genetic and environmental factors may play a role. For instance, strong sun exposure, illness or infection, hormonal changes (like puberty) and certain medications may trigger the onset of lupus.

Other Things To Keep In Mind

Some drugs may have side effects, but whether or not you experience this will be highly individually based. If you’re taking DMARDs or biologics, you may be more prone to infection, which needs to be safely monitored. Additionally, when taking such medications, it’s important to avoid contact with individuals with infectious conditions like chickenpox. Certain vaccines may also need to be avoided; your doctor should inform you about any risks involved.

Additionally, avoiding smoking or excessive sun exposure can help manage and reduce flare-ups. It may also be important to address any related mental health struggles. Talking with a therapist or counselor can help you navigate any changes that come with a lupus diagnosis, as well as help you cope when flare-ups happen.

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