Why do my legs hurt with lupus?

Lupus and the muscles. Lupus often causes myalgia, or aches and pains in the muscles. Less often, lupus can cause myositis, or inflammation in the muscles — usually in the hips, thighs, shoulders, and upper arms. The most common symptom of myositis is muscle weakness.

Can lupus make your legs ache?

You may experience pain and stiffness, with or without swelling. This affects most people with lupus. Common areas for muscle pain and swelling include the neck, thighs, shoulders, and upper arms. Fever.

How do you stop lupus leg pain?

Joint and Muscle Pain Treatments

The main treatment for both muscle and joint pain from lupus is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – aka NSAIDs – such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium. Joint rest and physical therapy can ease pain caused by tendinitis and myalgia.

What does lupus do to legs?

Kidneys. Lupus can inflame the kidneys, causing permanent damage. This can lead to swelling in the legs and high blood pressure.

Can lupus cause weakness in legs?

Some people with lupus develop myositis, an inflammation of the skeletal muscles that causes weakness and loss of strength. Lupus myositis often affects the muscles of your neck, pelvis, thighs, shoulders and upper arms; difficulty in climbing stairs and getting up from a chair are early symptoms.

Common Lupus Myths: Lupus Causes Widespread Pain

How much sleep do lupus patients need?

Get Enough Rest to Prevent Fatigue

Most people do best with at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night. If you have lupus you may need even more sleep. “It's important to develop good sleeping habits,” says Jolly. “It can really make the difference in getting a good night's sleep.”

What pain medication is prescribed for lupus?

Analgesics. Your doctor may suggest over-the-counter medications designed to reduce pain and inflammation and treat fever associated with lupus. These may include acetaminophen or aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

What triggers lupus flare-ups?

Lupus flare-ups can be triggered by stress, infection, or missed doses of medication. To prevent a lupus flare, focus on your medication schedule, self-care, and sun protection. Hydroxychloroquine is the best medication to help prevent lupus flares.

Does lupus qualify for disability?

For Social Security's purposes, lupus qualifies as a disability when it meets these conditions: It involves two or more organs or body systems. It includes at least two major signs or symptoms, such as severe fatigue, fever, malaise, and involuntary weight loss.

What foods trigger lupus flare-ups?

Alfalfa and garlic are two foods that probably shouldn't be on your dinner plate if you have lupus. Alfalfa sprouts contain an amino acid called L-canavanine. Garlic contains allicin, ajoene, and thiosulfinates, which can send your immune system into overdrive and flare up your lupus symptoms.

Why does lupus hurt so much?

During the course of their disease, approximately 95% of lupus patients will have joint symptoms − either arthritis or arthralgias. Arthritis in lupus is due to inflammation of the lining of the joint (called synovitis) that leads to swelling, tenderness, and stiffness. Arthralgia refers to joint pain without swelling.

Does lupus get worse at night?

Ninety percent of people with lupus will experience general fatigue and malaise at some point during the course of the disease. Some people find a short 1 ½ hour afternoon nap to be effective in reducing fatigue. However, exceeding this time frame might lead to problems sleeping at night.

Does lupus get worse with age?

With age, symptom activity with lupus often declines, but symptoms you already have may grow more severe. The accumulation of damage over years may result in the need for joint replacements or other treatments.

How would you describe lupus pain?

The pain often moves from joint to joint. Joint pain, swelling and stiffness can be the main symptoms for some people with lupus. In most cases, lupus is unlikely to cause permanent damage or change the shape of joints. But it can sometimes cause serious joint problems.

What are symptoms of lupus flare?

Can you gain weight from lupus?

Muscle pain — Muscle pain or tenderness is common in people with lupus; rarely, some people also notice muscle weakness. Weight changes — Lupus can sometimes cause weight loss or weight gain.

What should you not do if you have lupus?

What is the most serious form of lupus?

There are several different types of lupus: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common and most serious type of lupus. SLE affects all parts of the body. Cutaneous lupus erythematosus, which affects only the skin.

Can I work full time with lupus?

Many people with lupus are able to continue to work, although they may need to make changes in their work environment. Flexible work hours, job-sharing, and telecommuting may help you to keep working. It may be helpful to begin to make such arrangements soon after you have been diagnosed with lupus.

What vitamins help with lupus?

Vitamin E, zinc, vitamin A, and the B vitamins are all beneficial in a lupus diet. Vitamin C can increase your ability to absorb iron and is a good source of antioxidants.

How long do lupus flares typically last?

How long does your typical lupus flare last? Nearly 63% of people reported flares that last one week or less. Of that group, almost 75% of people experienced flares lasting between two and 6 six days. Typical flares of two weeks were reported by over 1/4 of poll participants.

Should you go to ER for lupus flare?

Seek medical care for lupus if you have rapid swelling of one of your extremities, fever over 102 F, or acute abdominal pain or chest pain.

How long can you take hydroxychloroquine for lupus?

Plaquenil works very slowly. In 1 to 3 months you should start to feel better. You may continue to get better for up to 1 year. Most people who take Plaquenil also take other medicines for pain and stiffness.

What is the best anti-inflammatory for lupus?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs are used to reduce inflammation, pain and fever associated with lupus. They include over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (for example, Nurofen®), or prescription medications such as Voltaren® Celebrex® and Orudis®.

Is Tramadol good for lupus pain?

Tramadol (Ultram) is a prescription pain drug. It acts like both an opioid pain reliever and an antidepressant. It can help ease short-term pain from lupus.