Joint Pain and Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis: What You Need to Know    

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, is often associated with abdominal symptoms like cramping, bloating, and diarrhea. But nearly 50% of patients with these conditions also experience joint pain.

That may come as a surprise, but your digestive system and the rest of your body are closely connected.

At Katy Rheumatology & Associates in Katy, Texas, double-board-certified rheumatologist Padma Chimata, MD, FACP, AGS, and our caring team provide expert diagnosis and treatment for IBD-related joint pain. Here’s why it happens — and steps you can take to feel better.

Why joint pain happens with IBD

Researchers aren’t entirely sure why some patients with IBD experience joint pain, but the leading theory revolves around inflammation. Since Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis cause the immune system to overreact, the resulting inflammation can “spill over” and end up affecting other parts of your body, including your joints. 

Such symptoms are called extraintestinal manifestations. They can affect the skin, eyes, or joints, with joint involvement seen in about 30% of people with IBD. Many individuals say IBD-related joint pain feels like arthritis, and while it does share some of the same features, it’s uniquely tied to gut inflammation.

Types of joint pain linked to IBD

IBD-related joint pain can show up in different ways, including:

Peripheral arthritis

This type of pain occurs in the arm and leg joints, including the knees, ankles, wrists, and elbows. It typically happens alongside bowel flare-ups, and often improves once gut inflammation is under control. 

Axial arthritis/spondylitis

This type of pain affects the lower back and the sacroiliac joints, which connect your spine to your pelvis. Unlike peripheral arthritis, it tends to occur outside of gut flare-ups, making it more challenging to treat.

People with IBD often experience one type of joint pain or the other, but in some cases, both can occur. Symptoms also vary in duration and severity. Sometimes, joint pain improves in just a few days; other times, it takes weeks, months, or longer.

Treatment options and when to see a doctor

If you have IBD and also experience joint pain, managing symptoms on your own can be challenging. Fortunately, the right support can make all the difference.

Working with a qualified specialist like Dr. Chimata can help you determine the best treatment approach. We can also coordinate care with your gastroenterologist to ensure lasting symptom relief.

Although treatment plans are individually tailored, some of the most common therapies include:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medication (used with caution, as many can worsen IBD symptoms)
• Corticosteroids, which help reduce inflammation quickly
• Biologic medications that target both joint and gut inflammation

When medical treatments are combined with healthy lifestyle changes, like regular exercise, physical therapy, and an anti-inflammatory diet, it’s possible to reduce joint pain and improve your mobility.

We can help you manage IBD-related joint pain

If IBD-related joint pain is affecting your daily life, call our office in Katy, Texas, today, or book an appointment online at your convenience. Many effective treatments can manage IBD and help you feel your best, and we’re here to help.