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I've had lupus since I was 23. Now at age 40, I have found ways to manage except for my right wrist. I am right-handed and it would be helpful if I could get the full use of that wrist back. Splinting hasn't helped. Exercises help me stay the same but they don't improve things -- just keep them from getting worse. Any suggestions?
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Systemic lupus erythematosus, otherwise known as "lupus" is a chronic inflammatory disease involving many areas of the body. For some (as yet) unknown reason, the immune system attacks the person's own tissues and organs.
Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems. Most often the areas involved include the heart, joints, skin, lungs, blood vessels, liver, kidneys, and nervous system.
As you have experienced, joint disease can be severe enough to cause painful loss of motion and function. Quality of life can suffer with this disability. Treatment for lupus often involves medications. These can be very effective in controlling painful joint symptoms.
The best thing to do is get with your physician and review your situation. This is a good time to look back at what has worked well in the past and re-examine treatment options now. There may be some more effective medications available now. Perhaps a slightly different rehab program would help you regain some motion and function.
When chronic inflammation causes joint destruction, then surgery may be needed. In the past, wrist fusion was the main surgical approach to the problem. Today, thanks to modern technology and improved surgical techniques, a total wrist replacement is possible.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are the one most likely in need of a wrist replacement. But people like yourself with lupus may find this is a helpful treatment as well.
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