Lupus-linked arthritis highlighted as Selena Gomez shares health battle

Selena Gomez's disclosure that she developed arthritis related to lupus has brought renewed attention to a condition that can accompany the autoimmune disease and affect younger patients. Gomez, who has spoken publicly about her lupus diagnosis since 2015, recently revealed that arthritis in her hands is connected to lupus. Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus, occurs when the immune system attacks healthy tissues, and arthritis is one of its most common symptoms. While arthritis is often portrayed as an ailment of older adults, lupus can surface in people in their 20s and 30s, and joint pain can be a prominent and disabling feature of the disease.

The link between lupus and arthritis was underscored by doctors and patient groups who say lupus arthritis is driven by inflammation from immune activity rather than wear and tear alone. Dr. Irene Blanco, a rheumatologist and director of lupus clinical services at Northwestern University’s Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute in Chicago, explained that lupus patients classically make antibodies that target their own body’s healthy proteins and structures, and these antibodies can damage joint tissues or form immune complexes that settle in the joints, causing swelling, stiffness, warmth and pain. Dr. Adam Kreitenberg, a rheumatologist and scientific advisor with 1MD Nutrition in California, said arthritis is one of the most common problems that lupus patients face, with up to 90% of people with SLE experiencing joint pain or arthritis at some point during the course of their disease. “The arthritis of lupus can be quite disabling when inadequately treated,” he told Fox News Digital. More than 90% of people with lupus will experience joint or muscle pain, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, lupus arthritis often doesn’t cause permanent damage that is visible on X-rays, but it can still be profoundly disabling. Not all pain is directly caused by lupus, Blanco noted. Some patients develop overlapping conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Others may experience fibromyalgia, a pain syndrome linked to how the brain processes signals. “This is why it’s so important to tease out the different causes of pain,” she said. “Management may change depending on what’s really driving the symptoms.” Kreitenberg agreed, saying, “Several factors can mimic or contribute to joint pain in lupus patients,” and adding that fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and even medication effects, such as steroid-induced joint or tendon problems, may play a role. “Lupus is quite different than any other illness that causes arthritis.”

When contacted by Fox News Digital, the Lupus Foundation of America emphasized that lupus is not a form of arthritis, though arthritis often emerges as a prominent symptom. “It is very important not to make this mistake, because lupus is quite different than any other illness that causes arthritis,” the foundation states on its website. “Arthritis is caused by either inflammation or wear and tear of the body’s joints, while lupus arthritis is caused by inflammation.” The foundation also notes that, after prolonged uncontrolled lupus, people can sustain joint damage that causes problems even when the lupus is not flaring.

Experts also note that lupus can involve overlapping conditions that mimic or contribute to joint pain. Fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and even medication effects can complicate the picture. The Cleveland Clinic emphasizes that lupus primarily affects women between the ages of 15 and 45, and for these patients, joint pain can disrupt work, school and daily life. Gomez’s case serves as a reminder that joint pain and arthritis can emerge in people who are young and otherwise healthy.

Treating lupus arthritis typically begins with disease-modifying strategies. First-line therapy often includes hydroxychloroquine, a time-tested drug for controlling lupus activity. When necessary, doctors may add corticosteroids or immunosuppressants to reduce inflammation and control flares. However, finding the right regimen can take time and close monitoring, and early recognition of lupus arthritis is associated with better long-term outcomes and improved quality of life. In addition to medications, experts advocate lifestyle strategies such as low-impact exercise (water-based activities like swimming), yoga, and anti-inflammatory eating patterns. Some patients explore natural compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, such as curcumin and boswellia, and emphasize good posture and proper footwear to protect joints.

The broader conversation about arthritis in lupus has included discussions around medications that may affect heat sensitivity. In recent media coverage, Fox News medical contributor Dr. Marc Siegel discussed the idea that some weight-loss drugs, including Ozempic, have been touted by some as potential aids for arthritis pain relief, a claim that has sparked warnings from some doctors about heat sensitivity and other side effects associated with certain medications. While Ozempic is not approved as a cure for lupus arthritis, the discussion reflects ongoing debates about how systemic therapies can influence symptoms and how to balance benefits and risks for patients with autoimmune disease. Medical professionals stress that any treatment plan should be individualized and developed in consultation with a rheumatologist or other specialists familiar with lupus.

For Gomez and others living with lupus, early and accurate evaluation of new or worsening joint pain remains crucial. The condition can be unpredictable, with periods of relative quiescence punctuated by flares of inflammation. Prompt medical assessment helps distinguish lupus arthritis from other causes of joint pain and supports timely initiation or adjustment of therapy. By combining targeted medications with lifestyle measures and careful monitoring, clinicians aim to reduce inflammation, prevent joint damage, and improve daily functioning for patients who face this challenging symptom of lupus.

The discussion surrounding Gomez’s health also highlights the ongoing need for public awareness and education about lupus and its potential to involve joints and muscles at a young age. Experts say that patients should seek care promptly when new joint symptoms arise, and clinicians should consider lupus as a possible contributing factor in younger patients with persistent joint pain. Continued research and advocacy work are essential to improving outcomes for people with lupus and related inflammatory conditions.