Both lupus and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are autoimmune diseases, but lupus is a systemic disease that can affect almost any organ, while RA primarily targets the joints. It is also possible for a person to have both lupus and a separate type of arthritis, such as RA or osteoarthritis, concurrently.
How lupus causes arthritis
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Inflammation:Lupus arthritis is caused by the immune system attacking the joints, leading to inflammation of the joint lining (synovitis), which results in pain, tenderness, and stiffness.
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Symptoms:This inflammation can affect both small joints (like fingers and toes) and large joints (like knees and shoulders), often causing symmetrical joint pain.
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Distinction from RA:While lupus-related arthritis can be severe, it typically does not lead to the joint erosions or bony deformities seen in rheumatoid arthritis, although soft tissue laxity can occur.
Having both conditions
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A person can also have both rheumatoid arthritis and lupus simultaneously, a condition referred to as “rhupus”.
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Overlap Syndrome:This is considered an overlap syndrome, and patients with rhupus may have symptoms of both, such as the lupus-related butterfly rash and the aggressive, joint-damaging arthritis of RA.
Diagnosis and treatment
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Diagnosis:A rheumatologist is the specialist who can diagnose and differentiate these conditions.
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Treatment:Treatments that manage lupus, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antimalarials, and corticosteroids, can also help alleviate lupus-related arthritis. Infusion therapies can also treat both conditions.
