Lupus Warning Signs: How to Recognize and Manage This Elusive Autoimmune Disease

2. Joint Pain That Mimics Arthritis

Aching, swollen joints are a classic sign of lupus, often mistaken for arthritis. The pain commonly affects the hands, wrists, knees, and feet, making routine movements---like typing, walking, or gripping objects---painful. Unlike some forms of arthritis, lupus-related joint pain is often symmetrical, appearing on both sides of the body.

What to watch for: If your joints feel stiff in the morning but loosen up as the day goes on, or if the pain persists for days without explanation, it could be lupus-related inflammation at work. Ignoring it might lead to long-term damage, so tracking symptoms is key.

Treatment options: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are commonly prescribed to manage joint pain and inflammation.