Joint pain is something many people experience at some point in their lives. Sometimes it happens after a long day of physical activity, other times it comes on slowly and seems to linger for weeks or even months. When joint pain is persistent, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms, it can be a sign of something more serious, such as an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases are conditions where the body’s immune system, which normally protects against infections, mistakenly attacks its own tissues. This can lead to inflammation and damage in various parts of the body, including the joints.
Many autoimmune diseases can cause joint pain as one of their earliest symptoms. For example, rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints. People with rheumatoid arthritis often experience pain, swelling, and stiffness in their joints, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. The pain and stiffness can be worse after resting and may improve with movement. The joints most commonly affected are the wrists and hands, and the same joints are usually affected on both sides of the body. In some cases, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect other parts of the body, such as the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, nerves, and blood [3].
Another autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain is psoriatic arthritis. This condition affects people who have psoriasis, a skin disease characterized by red, scaly patches. Psoriatic arthritis can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, particularly in the fingers, toes, lower back, and knees. The symptoms may be especially noticeable in the morning or after periods of inactivity. In addition to joint pain, people with psoriatic arthritis may also experience fatigue, nail changes, and skin changes [5].
Ankylosing spondylitis is another autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain, particularly in the spine. Early symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis often include back pain and stiffness, especially in the lower back and hips. These symptoms may be worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Neck pain and fatigue are also common. The inflammation caused by ankylosing spondylitis can lead to the fusion of some of the bones in the spine, making the spine less flexible and potentially causing a hunched posture. If the joints in the chest are affected, it may become harder to take deep breaths [6].
Sjögren’s disease is another autoimmune condition that can cause joint pain. People with Sjögren’s disease may experience joint pain or stiffness, muscle pain or weakness, and inflammation around the joints. The disease can also affect other parts of the body, such as the eyes and mouth, leading to dryness and other symptoms [8].
Lupus is another autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain. Lupus is a condition where the immune system attacks various parts of the body, leading to inflammation that can affect the skin, joints, blood, and organs like the kidneys, lungs, and heart. Joint pain is a common symptom of lupus, and it can be accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, skin rashes, and fever [10].
It is important to note that joint pain can also be caused by many other conditions, such as injuries, infections, and other types of arthritis. However, when joint pain is persistent and is accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, low-grade fevers, and unexplained discomfort, it may be a sign of an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases can be difficult to diagnose because their early symptoms are often subtle and can mimic common ailments like stress, aging, or minor infections. Many people experience periods of remission, where symptoms improve or go away for a while, which can make it even more challenging to identify the underlying cause [1].
Diagnosing autoimmune diseases often requires multiple tests. Blood tests can detect inflammation and autoantibodies, which are antibodies that attack the body’s own tissues. Imaging scans, such as X-rays and MRIs, can assess joint damage and inflammation. In some cases, biopsies may be needed to confirm the diagnosis [1]. For example, in rheumatoid arthritis, blood tests can detect specific autoantibodies like anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (ACPA), which can help diagnose the disease in its early stages before joint damage occurs [3]. In psoriatic arthritis, there are no specific tests to definitively diagnose the condition, so a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests is used to rule out other conditions [5].
If you are experiencing persistent joint pain, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, low-grade fevers, and unexplained discomfort, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider. They can help determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate tests and treatments. Early diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases can help prevent further joint damage and improve quality of life [1].
Sources:
[1] AiArthritis.org
[3] Wikipedia – Rheumatoid arthritis
[5] IslandRheumatology.com – Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis
[6] Mayo Clinic – Ankylosing spondylitis
[8] Sjögrens.org – Sjögren’s Disease Signs and Symptoms
[10] Cleveland Clinic – Lupus
