If you live with lupus, you’re probably familiar with the frustrating, aching soreness that can settle deep into your muscles. It’s not quite like the soreness after a workout—and it’s not always easy to explain to others. Whether it creeps in gradually or hits you all at once, sore muscles can be a painful and exhausting part of life with lupus. But you’re not alone—and understanding why it happens is the first step toward managing it.
Why Does Lupus Cause Muscle Soreness?
Lupus is an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. While lupus is best known for affecting the skin and joints, it can also target the muscles. This can lead to:
- Myalgia (general muscle pain)
- Myositis (inflammation of the muscles)
- Fatigue-related soreness (your muscles tire out faster due to chronic fatigue)
- Joint inflammation that radiates pain into the surrounding muscles**
Even without full-blown myositis, many people with lupus report muscle pain that feels like they’ve been through a marathon—even if they’ve barely moved that day.
Is It Just Soreness—or Something More?
Muscle soreness from lupus can vary in intensity. Some days it might feel like a dull ache; other days it may flare into sharp, burning pain. You might notice:
- Morning stiffness that improves slightly as the day goes on
- Muscle weakness, especially in the upper arms, thighs, or shoulders
- Soreness after minimal activity
- Pain that worsens during flares or after stress, illness, or poor sleep
If the soreness is severe or persistent, talk to your rheumatologist. You could be dealing with lupus myositis or even overlapping conditions like fibromyalgia or polymyositis, which are common in people with lupus.
Managing Muscle Pain with Lupus
While you can’t always make the pain disappear completely, there are ways to manage and reduce it. Make sure to always talk with your doctor first, before adding something to your routine!
- Gentle Movement: Low-impact activities like yoga, stretching, walking, or swimming can help maintain flexibility and blood flow. Just be mindful of your limits—rest is just as important as movement.
- Heat Therapy: A warm bath, heating pad, or heated blanket can soothe sore muscles and reduce stiffness. Think of it as a gentle signal to your body to relax.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications: NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) may help, but always check with your doctor first—especially if you have kidney issues or are on other medications.
- Rest and Sleep: Chronic fatigue often goes hand-in-hand with sore muscles. Getting quality sleep and honoring your body’s need for rest can make a huge difference.
- Nutrition and Hydration: Staying hydrated and eating anti-inflammatory foods (like berries, leafy greens, and omega-3s) may help reduce overall inflammation in the body.
- Medical Treatments: In cases of true muscle inflammation, your doctor might recommend corticosteroids or immunosuppressants. Physical therapy is also an option if weakness is affecting your quality of life.
One of the hardest parts of living with lupus is the invisible nature of your pain. Muscle soreness might not be visible, but it is real, and it deserves to be taken seriously. Be kind to yourself, advocate for your needs, and remember: resting is not weakness—it’s a form of resilience.
