Ulcerative Colitis and Joint Pain

Ulcerative colitis mainly affects your gut health, but many people also have arthritis. This is a condition that causes painful, swollen, and less flexible joints. There are a few different types. Knowing which one you have can help you find the best treatment.

Peripheral arthritis causes joint pain in your elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles. The pain and stiffness you feel may move from one joint to another and last from a few days to several weeks if you don't treat it. But it typically doesn't cause lasting damage.

Axial arthritis, also known as spondylitis, causes pain and stiffness in your lower spine and sacroiliac joints. These symptoms often appear before gut issues, especially in young people. If left untreated, it can lead to lasting spine damage.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a severe form of axial arthritis that usually affects young men. It causes inflammation in your eyes, lungs, and heart valves. Although doctors don't know the cause, most people who have it share a common genetic marker.

Many people who have joint pain from ulcerative colitis take biologic drugs or medications like prednisone and sulfasalazine to help their symptoms. Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and cycling can also improve joint flexibility and strength.