3. Joint pain
In most cases, joint pain is the initial symptom that forces patients into the doctor’s office. Most patients with systemic lupus erythematosus have joint pain and may also have muscle pain. Some have concomitant arthritis affecting their hands, knees, and wrists. These symptoms are often asymmetrical, meaning that one side is taken while the other might not.
Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain caused by lupus is not always associated with significant swelling in the articulations. It does not cause deformation in the articulations in the majority of cases. However, it is possible to find some deformities after a while, but it is caused by chronic inflammation of the ligaments, tendons, and the joint capsule.