Singer and actress Selena Gomez recently revealed that she developed arthritis related to her lupus, a condition she has openly discussed since she disclosed it in 2015. This case has brought attention to the prevalence of joint pain among lupus patients, with medical experts noting that up to 90% of those diagnosed with lupus experience joint pain or arthritis at some point during their illness. The condition, known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including joint inflammation and pain, which can significantly impact a patient’s daily life.
Dr. Adam Kreitenberg, a rheumatologist and scientific advisor with 1MD Nutrition in California, emphasized that arthritis is one of the most common problems faced by lupus patients. According to Kreitenberg, more than 90% of individuals with lupus will experience joint or muscle pain at some point during their disease. Although lupus arthritis may not cause permanent joint damage visible on X-rays, it can still be profoundly disabling if not adequately treated. This underscores the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management strategies for lupus patients to prevent long-term complications and maintain a good quality of life.
While the exact causes of lupus remain unclear, experts like Dr. Irene Blanco, professor and director of Lupus Clinical Services at Northwestern University’s Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, have explained that the condition involves multiple physiological processes. Blanco noted that lupus patients often produce antibodies that target their own healthy proteins and structures, which can damage joint tissues or form immune complexes that settle in the joints, leading to swelling, stiffness, warmth, and pain. These symptoms can be chronic or flare up unpredictably, making ongoing management essential for patients.
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