Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Arthritis
What is it?
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) arthritis is an
inflammation of the joints that is a symptom of
inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and
ulcerative colitis.
Who gets it?
People with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis get
IBD arthritis. IBD most commonly affects adults between
the ages of 25 and 45.
What causes it?
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammation of the
intestinal wall. Ulcerative colitis is a form of IBD in
which the inner lining of the large intestine becomes
inflamed, swollen, and ulcerated. In many IBD patients,
this inflammation causes inflammation in other areas of
the body, such as the joints.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms are pain, swelling, and stiffness in the
joints. Like most forms of arthritis, symptoms flare-up,
then go away only to flare up again. The more severe the
IBD, the more severe the arthritis symptoms.
How is it diagnosed?
When joint pain accompanies Crohn's disease or
ulcerative colitis, it is diagnosed as IBD arthritis.
Blood tests may show high numbers of white blood cells and
other signs of inflammation.
What is the treatment?
The treatment for IBD arthritis is nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen,
naproxen sodium, or indomethacin, which are available
over-the-counter and are effective in relieving pain and
swelling. In some cases, steroid medications, called
corticosteroids, may also be used to treat IBD as well as
the arthritis symptoms. Non-drug treatments include
exercise to keep the affected joints and muscles moving,
splints to support the inflamed joints, moist heat or cold
packs, and rest during severe flare-ups.
Self-care tips
If you have an IBD, there is no known way to prevent
the development of IBD arthritis. However, you can reduce
the pain of flare-ups and keep the joint flexible and
mobile by following your doctor's treatment
recommendations.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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