Inflammatory Bowel Disease-related Arthritis
What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease-related Arthritis?
Inflammatory bowel disease-related arthritis (IBD-related arthritis) occurs when chronic conditions like Crohn's disease or Ulcerative Colitis cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. These two conditions can also lead to inflammation on the joints. The cause is not fully known, but it has been theorized that the inflammation in the gut triggers may affect the joints since they both share underlying immune-mediated mechanisms. IBD-related arthritis may be present with those individuals with severe or long-standing bowel diseases.
What are the Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease-related Arthritis?
While there are many complications that may result from IBD, arthritis is the most common affecting approximately 20% of those with Crohn's disease and 10% with ulcerative colitis. IBD-related arthritis can cause a lot of joint pain, especially in the back and large joints, occasionally causes permanent joint damage. Common symptoms include:
- Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness – may occur in the knees, ankles, elbows, and/or wrists. This pain and swelling can move from joint to joint.
- Back pain and stiffness, which may occur in cases of axial arthritis.
- Motion limitation - a limited or reduced range of motion in the joints and spine.
What are the Treatment Options for Inflammatory Bowel Disease-related arthritis?
When treating IBD-related arthritis, doctors commonly recommend a combination of medications and physical therapy, as well as integrating exercise into your daily routine. Treatment options for IBD-related arthritis may include:
- NSAIDs - nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – these can help with pain and inflammation in the joints, but can exacerbate the inflammatory bowel disease, so they are typically not recommended.
- DMARDs - disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs – may be considered for more severe cases
- Corticosteroids – to assist in managing and reducing inflammation during flare-ups (commonly prescribed is prednisone).
- Immunosuppressants
- Biologic therapies – TNF inhibitors and other biologic agents may be effective in treating IBD and arthritis (administered via IV, slow drip, or self-administered shots).
- Physical Therapy – offers exercises and stretching can help maintain joint function and reduce stiffness.
- Surgery - while not a common, surgery may be considered with severe cases of IBD (especially with axial arthritis).
Living with an Inflammatory Bowel Disease-related Arthritis Diagnosis
Treatments and disease management vary from patient-to-patient depending upon the severity of IBD-related arthritis. Experience dictates that controlling the IBD typically leads to an improvement with arthritis. Managing the symptoms of both diseases may assist in improving quality of life.
Patient Care is our Priority
There is no known cure for Inflammatory Bowel Disease-related Arthritis, but it is very treatable. IBD-related arthritis can often be managed with treatments to reduce inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and improve overall function. Routine visits with your healthcare provider and adherence to your treatment plan may be crucial for achieving the best possible outcomes and improving your quality of life. There are many treatment plans available. Dr. Carter and staff can help determine the right plan for you. We understand that living with this disease is not easy. Dr. Carter, along with the staff at Recovery Rheum, are here to help you every step of the way.