Many persons with lupus experience muscular or joint discomfort. The good news is that you can take efforts to improve your situation. You and your doctor can come up with a pain management strategy that works for you.
Talk to your doctor
Tell your doctor how your discomfort impacts your day-to-day activities. Your doctor may conduct tests to determine the source of your discomfort and choose the best treatment option for you.
Active lupus, as well as associated illnesses such as arthritis or fibromyalgia, can cause pain in your muscles and joints. Fibromyalgia can cause pain in the neck, shoulders, chest, hips, knees, and elbows, among other places.
Depending on what’s causing your pain, your doctor may suggest different ways to manage it, like:
Taking pain medicine. If your doctor prescribes taking pain medication, find out how it works and what side effects to be aware of.
Treating lupus flares. If your doctor prescribes taking pain medication, find out how it works and what side effects to be aware of.
Doing physical therapy. A physical therapist can teach you exercises and other pain-relieving techniques that you can use at home.
Getting enough sleep. It's possible that fatigue and a lack of sleep are exacerbating your discomfort. A consistent sleep routine may assist to alleviate these symptoms.
Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, acupressure, and biofeedback might also be discussed with your doctor.
Manage your pain at home
There are steps you can take to manage your pain at home, too.
Apply heat to the area that hurts. When your muscles or joints hurt, heat can help you feel better. Try taking a hot shower, soaking in a bath or hot tub, or placing a warm towel on the area that hurts.
Build exercise into your daily routine. Moving your body for just a few minutes each day can help you to manage pain. Always check with your doctor or physical therapist before starting a new type of exercise. Learn more about how exercise can help with lupus symptoms.
Change your habits. Your doctor or physical therapist may ask you to avoid movements that cause pain, like typing or sitting in one position for long periods of time.
Take care of your mental health
Some people suffer from stress, worry, or depression, which can cause their muscles to stiffen up, making their discomfort worse. Taking care of your mental health might assist you in better managing and responding to your discomfort.
Relaxing activities such as low-impact yoga, meditation, and Tai Chi might help you focus on the current moment rather than the pain.