Is Joint Pain a Sign of Autoimmune Disease?
Joint pain is one of the most common symptoms that brings people to their doctors, and it can stem from many different causes. Some people experience joint pain from overuse or injury, while others develop it as part of aging. However, joint pain can also be a significant warning sign that your body is dealing with an autoimmune disease. Understanding the connection between joint pain and autoimmune conditions is important because early recognition and treatment can make a real difference in managing these diseases.
What Exactly Is an Autoimmune Disease?
An autoimmune disease occurs when your immune system becomes confused and starts attacking your own body’s healthy cells and tissues instead of protecting you from harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. Normally, your immune system is designed to recognize the difference between foreign threats and your own body’s cells. When this system malfunctions, it can cause inflammation and damage throughout your body. Many autoimmune diseases specifically target the joints, which is why joint pain is such a common symptom.
The Connection Between Joint Pain and Autoimmune Disease
Joint pain is indeed a sign of autoimmune disease, and it appears in several different autoimmune conditions. The pain occurs because the immune system attacks the tissues in and around the joints, causing inflammation, swelling, and discomfort. This type of joint pain is often different from the joint pain caused by simple wear and tear or injury.
One of the most common autoimmune diseases that causes joint pain is rheumatoid arthritis. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. What makes rheumatoid arthritis distinctive is that it typically affects joints on both sides of the body at the same time [4]. For example, if your right knee hurts, your left knee is likely to hurt as well. This pattern of symmetrical joint pain is different from osteoarthritis, which is not an autoimmune disease and usually affects joints unevenly.
Sjögren’s disease is another autoimmune condition where joint pain is a prominent symptom [1]. In fact, joint pain is listed among the most common signs of Sjögren’s disease, along with dry eyes, dry mouth, and fatigue [1]. People with Sjögren’s disease may experience joint pain and swelling as their immune system attacks the moisture-producing glands in their body and can also affect other tissues [5].
Lupus is yet another autoimmune disease that frequently causes joint pain [6]. Lupus causes inflammation throughout the body and can affect the skin, joints, blood, and organs like the kidneys, lungs, and heart [6]. The joint pain from lupus can vary in severity and may come and go in waves called flare-ups [6].
Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the spine and can cause significant joint pain and stiffness [2]. Early symptoms often include back pain and stiffness, especially in the lower back and hips, and these symptoms may be worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity [2]. Over time, the inflammation in ankylosing spondylitis can cause some of the bones in the spine to fuse together, making the spine less flexible [2].
How Autoimmune Joint Pain Differs From Other Types
Understanding how autoimmune joint pain differs from other causes of joint pain can help you recognize when you might need to see a doctor. Autoimmune joint pain often has specific characteristics that set it apart.
First, autoimmune joint pain is frequently symmetrical, meaning it affects the same joints on both sides of your body. If you have pain in your right hand, you are likely to have similar pain in your left hand. This symmetrical pattern is a key indicator that an autoimmune disease might be involved.
Second, autoimmune joint pain is often accompanied by other symptoms beyond just the pain itself. You might experience fatigue, which can be quite severe [1]. You might also notice skin problems, swelling in the joints, or other systemic symptoms that affect multiple parts of your body [5]. These additional symptoms help distinguish autoimmune joint pain from simple mechanical problems with your joints.
Third, autoimmune joint pain tends to be worse at certain times. Many people with autoimmune diseases notice that their joint pain and stiffness are worse in the morning or after periods of rest [2]. This is different from pain caused by overuse, which typically gets worse as the day goes on and you use the joint more.
Fourth, autoimmune joint pain often comes and goes in patterns. Some people experience periods of increased pain and stiffness followed by times when symptoms improve or go away for a while [2]. These fluctuations are characteristic of many autoimmune diseases.
Other Symptoms That Often Accompany Autoimmune Joint Pain
When joint pain is caused by an autoimmune disease, it rarely appears alone. Understanding the other symptoms that often accompany autoimmune joint pain can help you recognize when you should seek medical attention.
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms that appears alongside joint pain in autoimmune diseases [1]. This is not the normal tiredness you feel after a long day of work. Autoimmune fatigue can be debilitating and may make it difficult to perform your daily activities. Some people describe it as feeling completely exhausted even after resting.
Dry eyes and dry mouth are particularly common in Sjögren’s disease [1]. These symptoms occur because the immune system attacks the glands that produce tears and saliva. The dryness can be uncomfortable and can lead to complications like eye infections and dental problems.
Skin problems are another symptom that often accompanies autoimmune joint pain [5]. These can range from rashes to other skin manifestations depending on which autoimmune disease you have.
Swelling in the joints is frequently seen alongside joint pain in autoimmune diseases [5]. The swelling occurs because of inflammation in the joint tissues.
Brain fog and headaches can also occur with some autoimmune diseases [1]. Brain fog refers to difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly, and it can be quite frustrating for people experiencing it.
How Doctors Diagnose Autoimmune Diseases With Joint Pain
If you are experiencing joint pain and your doctor suspects an autoimmune disease, they will likely perform several tests to reach a diagnosis. It is important to understand that no single test can definitively diagnose most autoimmune diseases.
Blood tests are a primary tool used to diagnose autoimmune diseases [1]. These tests look for specific proteins in your blood called autoantibodies. For Sjögren’s disease, doctors look for anti-SSA (also called anti-Ro) or anti-SSB (also called anti-La) antibodies [1]. About 70 percent of people who have Sjögren’s
