Understanding Lupus Feet Pain: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Understanding Lupus Feet Pain

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause pain, swelling, and damage in any part of the body, including the feet. Foot pain is a common symptom experienced by many lupus patients. In this article, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments for lupus foot pain.

What Causes Lupus Feet Pain?

There are a few key factors that can contribute to foot pain in lupus patients:

• Inflammation - Lupus causes inflammation throughout the body, including in the joints and soft tissues of the feet. This inflammation leads to pain, redness, and swelling.
• Arthritis - Up to 90% of lupus patients experience arthritis as a symptom. Arthritis in the feet can cause painful swelling in the joints of the toes, heels, and ankles.
• Vasculitis - Lupus may cause inflammation of blood vessels known as vasculitis. This can reduce blood flow to the feet, resulting in pain, sores, and numbness.
• Nerve damage - Lupus can sometimes cause peripheral neuropathy, damaging the nerves in the feet. This can lead to burning, tingling, or sharp nerve pain.
• Raynaud's phenomenon - Spasms in the blood vessels of the feet triggered by cold temperatures or stress may happen, causing the feet to become numb, tingly, or painful.

Common Symptoms of Lupus Foot Pain

Lupus foot pain can manifest in many different ways. Here are some of the most common foot pain symptoms:

• Joint pain or swelling in the toes, heels, ankles, arches or balls of the feet
• Muscle pain or cramping in the feet and legs
• Stiffness, limited range of motion, or difficulty walking
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in the feet
• Redness and warmth in the feet due to inflammation
• Ulcers or open sores on the feet
• Raynaud's phenomenon causing coldness and color changes in the feet
• Pain or throbbing after activity or at the end of the day

The location, severity, and characteristics of foot pain can vary greatly depending on the underlying cause. Keeping track of symptoms and informing your doctor can help diagnose the source of discomfort.

Getting a Diagnosis for Lupus Foot Pain

Since lupus foot pain has many possible causes, getting an accurate diagnosis is key. Here are some ways doctors diagnose lupus foot pain:

• Medical history - The doctor will ask about current symptoms and past foot problems.
• Physical exam - Checking for areas of tenderness, swelling, ulcers, and nerve damage.
• Blood tests - Testing sedimentation rate, antibody levels, and other markers that indicate lupus activity.
• Joint fluid tests - Drawing fluid from painful joints to look for inflammation.
• Imaging - X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI scans to visualize joint, bone, and soft tissue abnormalities.
• Nerve conduction study - Measuring how well nerves transmit signals can indicate neuropathy.

Based on a combination of these assessments, the doctor will determine whether lupus is directly causing the foot pain or if nerve damage, arthritis, or other factors are contributing. Early diagnosis allows for better management of symptoms.

Treatments for Foot Pain in Lupus Patients

While lupus has no cure, many treatments can relieve foot pain and prevent complications. Treatment options may include:

• NSAIDs - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen to reduce swelling and pain.
• Steroid injections - Directly injected steroids can ease localized inflammation in the joints or tendons.
• Orthotics - Custom shoe inserts provide arch support and help distribute pressure evenly.
• Physical therapy - Stretching, strengthening exercises, ultrasound, and massage therapy can help with pain, flexibility, and circulation.
• Surgery - In some cases, procedures to repair joint damage or fuse bones may relieve pain.
• Medications - Corticosteroids, antimalarials, or immunosuppressants may improve systemic lupus activity and reduce flare-ups.

Treatment plans will be tailored based on each patient’s specific symptoms and lupus disease activity. Lifestyle changes like regular low-impact exercise, foot care, wearing proper shoes, and staying warm can also help manage painful lupus feet flares.

Caring for Your Feet With Lupus

Along with medical treatment, good self-care habits can improve foot health with lupus. Here are some tips:

• Apply moisturizer daily to prevent cracking and ulcers.
• Wear thick, loose socks to avoid constriction.
• Soak feet in warm water to increase circulation.
• Avoid going barefoot to protect from injury.
• Wear proper fitting shoes with cushioned soles.
• Rest swollen feet by elevating them on a pillow.
• Use hot and cold therapy to reduce inflammation.
• Do gentle foot stretches and exercises at home.

Let your doctor know right away about any new or worsening foot problems so steps can be taken to prevent complications of lupus affecting the feet. With the right treatment plan, most people with lupus can manage and cope with foot pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can lupus cause permanent damage to your feet?

Yes, permanent damage to the feet can occur with lupus. Complications like nerve damage, ulcers, joint deformities, and loss of cartilage and bone tissue can develop over time. Proper treatment is important to control inflammation and prevent permanent foot damage.

Does lupus always cause foot pain?

No, foot pain does not happen in all lupus patients. About 60% of people with lupus experience some foot or ankle pain, but symptoms can come and go. Many people have only periodic flare-ups affecting their feet.

Can men get lupus foot pain too?

Yes, while lupus is more common in women, men can also develop foot pain from lupus. There is no difference in the symptoms or treatments for lupus foot pain between men and women.

Is it normal for lupus foot pain to move around?

It is very common for lupus foot pain to shift locations, affecting different joints or parts of the feet over time. The underlying inflammation can move around. Symptoms often alternate between flaring up and quieting down.

What specialists treat lupus foot problems?

Rheumatologists most often oversee lupus treatment, but orthopedic doctors, podiatrists, neurologists, dermatologists, and physical therapists may help manage foot complications related to joints, nerves, skin, circulation or muscle issues.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.