Enteropathic Arthritis - Symptoms, Risk factors and Treatment

Enteropathic arthritis is one that occurs with another inflammatory condition called inflammatory bowel disease- the most common ones are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. About two in five people having any kind of inflammatory bowel disease will develop arthritis. Mostly enteropathic arthritis affects the peripheral joints. However, in some cases, it may also affect the spine. Along with that, inflammatory bowel disease can cause;

• Bloody diarrhea
• Abdominal pain 
• Cramps
• Weight loss

Relation between IBD and arthritis

The term 'entero' represents that something has to do with intestines. The exact cause of arthritis due to inflammatory bowel disease is unclear. But experts believe that the lining of the intestines is an essential barrier to fight against bacteria. Once they are infected, the pathogens can enter the bloodstream, eventually causing them to settle in the joints, causing arthritis. 

Symptoms 

The symptoms of arthritis can be;

Pain and stiffness

Enteropathic arthritis affects joints of the ankles and knees, causing pain and swelling. It may also cause pain in your heels, buttocks, and lower back. 

Enthesitis 

It is a condition in which inflammation of soft tissue occurs where it enters the bone. It may include the ligaments, muscles, and tendons. 

Swollen toes and ankles

Enteropathic arthritis may cause swelling of your joints.

Lower back pain

Enteropathic arthritis may cause lower back pain that gets worse at night or in the morning.

Along with these, the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease may also occur. They may show up as;

• Persistent diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Cramps 
• Rectal bleeding
• Bloody stools
• Weight loss
• Fatigue

The symptoms of both conditions are often associated with the other. When the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease flare-up, the symptoms of arthritis also do. 

Management 

To manage enteropathic arthritis, the healthcare providers need to manage both the conditions simultaneously, the inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis. 

To control the symptoms, they may prescribe corticosteroids, DMARDs, and anti-TNFa. 

Along with the medications, they may ask you to do strength training, mobilization, massage, and good posture practices.

You can also apply using a warm compress or cold compress to get rid of joint pain and swelling. 

Prevention 

To keep yourself protected against enteropathic arthritis, you must ensure that what you eat is not contaminated. Make sure the food is cooked in hygienic conditions and stored too. 

Conclusion 

Enteropathic arthritis is one that occurs with another inflammatory condition called inflammatory bowel disease- the most common ones are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.