Arthritis?

[Biloxi]

I have the type of Lupus that only effects the skin, discoid lupus erythematosus. I understand lupus effects everyone differently, but as far as I understand, mine is skin only.

For the last couple of days, the finger joint nearest the tip on my left hand only has been stiff. I can't bend it like usual. I don't remember hurting it.

I had been running more last week and wonder...

Does too much exercise cause the immune system to start attacking the body?

Its only that one joint. There's no pain, no swelling that I can tell. It doesn't seem any warmer than the rest of my hand.

[Foggybiddy]

Hi Biloxi. I have discoid lupus and I also have arthritis, but I must say I have never connected the two. I may be wrong of course and they are both autoimmune conditions of course, but perhaps too soon yet to be sure whether or not your painful finger actually is arthritis. Hope it clears up soon anyway.

[chrisj]

Hi - I have one toe that wont bend in the joint near the toe nail, just happened without any warning and its been like it for years. No pain just an inability to bend and another toe thats not straight. A gp said it was arthritis even though again its not painful.

I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in many joints that are painful and cause problems but none have anything to do with Lupus, its a separate condition. An x ray will probably tell you what it is when your doctor is able to send you for one.