Lupus
Autoimmune diseases, like lupus, cause the body’s immune system to attack healthy cells and organs. This condition develops mainly due to exposure to sun rays, pathogens, or certain medications. Prominent symptoms of lupus include pain and stiffness, with or without swelling, in the joints and muscles. Joint inflammation is medically referred to as inflammatory arthritis. Joints farther from the body’s midline are more likely to be affected by lupus arthritis, such as the toes, wrists, elbows, fingers, and ankles. The swelling from the joints can radiate toward nearby tissues, such as the upper arm. Patients report that the pain and numbness in their upper arm hinder their daily activities, such as typing and lifting objects.
Tendon laxity refers to abnormal looseness in the tissues that attach muscle to bone. It can displace bones from their normal alignment, which may manifest in various ways in lupus patients. In addition, some 5 to 10 percent of patients with lupus may develop myositis, an inflammatory condition that can be particularly painful in the shoulders, upper arms, hips, and thighs.
Lupus symptoms may vary from each patient. This makes diagnosis challenging. Despite extensive research, no treatment has been developed for lupus. Treatment for lupus focuses on symptom management to alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of the illness.
