Is rheumatoid arthritis linked to Crohn's?
Crohn's disease is a condition of the digestive system characterized by inflammation that occurs most commonly in the colon. However, it can affect any gastrointestinal site from the mouth to the anus. Crohn's falls under the umbrella term "inflammatory bowel disease" (IBD).
The inflammation caused by Crohn's disease can also extend to other parts of the body, including the joints. Rheumatoid is one such inflammatory joint disease that has been recently linked with IBD. A review article published in BMC Gastroenterology concluded that patients with IBD, such as Crohn's, are at a greater risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Researchers speculate three reasons why patients with IBD may also develop RA, which include:
- The shared disease processes related to a dysregulated immune system
- The common inflammatory pathways triggered in autoimmunity
- Some common genetic factors
Additionally, studies have linked both RA as well as IBD to the altered intestinal flora (dysbiosis); however, this mechanism requires further analysis.
Apart from RA, Crohn's disease makes you more likely to develop other kinds of arthritis, too. Studies show that arthritis can occur in 6 to 46 percent of patients with IBD, with spondylitis affecting 1 to 26 percent.
How do doctors treat rheumatoid arthritis caused by Crohn’s disease?
Doctors can treat rheumatoid arthritis caused by Crohn's disease in several ways, such as:
Medication
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, can help relieve joint pain and swelling in rheumatoid arthritis, but they are harmful to patients with Crohn's disease. They can worsen the symptoms of Crohn's by irritating the digestive system, especially the intestines. The only safe drug that doctors recommend for minor pain is acetaminophen.
Common drugs that can benefit both Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis include:
- Corticosteroids
- Sulfasalazine
- Methotrexate
- Biologic drugs (immunotherapy) such as:
Home remedies
In addition, patients with rheumatoid arthritis due to Crohn's disease can also use simple measures to alleviate their joint pain and swelling, such as:
- Resting the affected joint
- Icing and elevating the joint
- Physiotherapy exercises that strengthen the muscles around the joints and help relieve the stiffness
Lifestyle changes
Because both Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis are caused by inflammation, the affected patients should avoid ingesting foods that trigger any inflammation, which include:
Patients should find replacement options for these foods. For example, try switching to whole wheat substitutes of bread instead of bread made from refined white flour, and replacing red meat with foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish (salmon, sardines, and tuna).
Probiotics are also proven anti-inflammatory substances that are present in foods such as yogurt and kefir (a type of fermented drink). These foods can fight off gut inflammation caused by Crohn's disease and thus alleviate the symptoms related to rheumatoid arthritis.
Patients with Crohn's disease should let their doctor know if they experience joint pain, joint swelling, or joint stiffness. Some medications used for Crohn's are also known to cause osteoporosis, which can result in joint pain.
QUESTION
What is Crohn's disease? See AnswerSalem F, Kindt N, Marchesi JR, et al. Gut microbiome in chronic rheumatic and inflammatory bowel diseases: Similarities and differences. United European Gastroenterol J. 2019;7(8):1008-1032. doi:10.1177/2050640619867555
Orchard TR. Management of arthritis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2012;8(5):327-329.
Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease and other gastrointestinal diseases. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis-of-arthritis-associated-with-inflammatory-bowel-disease-and-other-gastrointestinal-diseases
Top Is Crohn's Disease Related to Rheumatoid Arthritis Related Articles
Biologics (Biologic Drug Class)A biologic drug is a product that is produced from living organisms or contain components of living organisms. Biologics include recombinant proteins, tissues, genes, allergens, cells, blood...- boswelliaBoswellia is an aromatic resin believed to have anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic and analgesic properties and is used in the treatment of many inflammatory conditions and other disorders, and for...
- celecoxib (Celebrex)Celecoxib (Celebrex - Discontinued Brand) is a NSAID (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug) that is used to treat pain, arthritis pain, menstrual cramps, and colonic polyps. Celebrex is also used...
- CorticosteroidsOral and injectable systemic corticosteroids are steroid hormones prescribed to decrease inflammation in diseases and conditions such as arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, for example), ulcerative...
Crohn's DiseaseCrohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease, primarily involving the small and large intestines, but it can affect other parts of the digestive system as well. Abdominal pain, diarrhea,...
Crohn's Disease QuizWhat causes Crohn's disease? What are the symptoms of Crohn's disease? How is Crohn's treated? Take this quiz to get the facts about Crohn's.
Does Crohn’s Disease Cause Dark Circles Around Eyes?Crohn's disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is linked to a number of eye problems. Most medical reports don't formally link Crohn's disease and dark eyes or list dark circles around...- Digestive Enzymes OralOral digestive enzymes are found in the digestive tract, are naturally produced by the body, and help breakdown the foods we eat. The pancreas makes and secretes digestive enzymes. Prescription and...
- grape seed extractGrape seed extracts are used in the treatment and prevention of many conditions including cardiovascular disease, cancer, eye conditions, and circulatory disorders. Side effects of grape seed extract...
Is Crohn's Disease Contagious?Crohn's disease, a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is characterized by symptoms and signs that include diarrhea, fever, weight loss, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Though Crohn's disease is...- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organic compound used to treat a variety of conditions, including muscle and joint pain from inflammation and arthritic conditions, allergies, and skin disorders....
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of drugs are used to treat inflammation, mild to moderate pain, and fever. Examples of the most common NSAIDs include: aspirin salsalate...
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, the tissue around the joints, as well as other organs in the body.
RA SlideshowWhat is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? Learn about treatment, diagnosis, and the symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Discover rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes and the best medication for RA and...
RA QuizHow is rheumatoid arthritis different from other forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and gout? Take the Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Quiz to rest your RA IQ.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: RA Food Myths and FactsIs there really an RA diet? Learn the truth from WebMD about which foods can ease your symptoms and which you should avoid.- Prednisone Side Effects (Adverse Effects)Prednisone is an anti-inflammatory and immune system suppressant drug that belongs to the corticosteroid drug class. Prednisone is used to treat a variety of diseases and conditions of the skin, gut,...
- turmericTurmeric is a perennial herb (Curcuma longa) used orally and topically in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine for multiple ailments. Turmeric may be used to treat fibromyalgia, rheumatoid...
What Happens if Crohn’s Is Left Untreated?Crohn's disease worsens without treatment. When left untreated, Crohn's spreads throughout the intestinal tract, causing severe symptoms and a bleaker outlook to treatment. Colon cancer is more...