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Crohn's Associated Joint Pain?

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 9/17/2021 7:46 PM (GMT -5)
Hi, quiet here, but I thought I would ask any way? I have a question?, I have very bad joint pain, don't know if it's from the crohn's treatment or just a complication of crohn's itself? My GI will not recommend anything other than Tylenol, but hey, ,I'm in a lot of pain and need something that will actually help the pain?
Will an extended release 12 hr OTC Anti-Inflammatory hurt if I just use it once in a while? How do you all manage temporary pain related to crohn's?
Posted 9/18/2021 3:58 AM (GMT -5)
It could be completely unrelated. However, joint inflammation is a risk when Crohn's is poorly treated - so definitely worth exploring if you are having a bad flare. Labs would help indicate if there is a significant, systemic level of inflammation. Ibuprofen (and similar NSAIDs) are usually the go-to for reducing inflammation. The risk, however, is that is upsets some people's stomachs. That, and it can thin your blood, so not ideal if you're currently having bleeding. I would definitely ask your provider for clarification since they are being so specific about Tylenol usage.
Posted 9/18/2021 8:21 AM (GMT -5)
Hi Dorrie, I would not use an NSAID, however, Tylenol has does have an arthritis strength available OTC.

Take care.
Posted 9/18/2021 6:38 PM (GMT -5)
Which joints?
Is there redness and/or swelling at the joints?
Does it get worse when Crohn's activity gets worse?
What Crohn's med(s) are you on?

It could be lots of things - unrelated to crohn's, related to crohn's, or related to your crohn's treatments. There are several forms of inflammatory arthritis related to having crohn's. There's also the possibility of your treatment *causing* arthritis. And finally there's the possibility it's unrelated to either one.

It needs to be investigated.

Your GI should be taking joint pains more seriously, should investigate, or at the least should refer you to a rheumatologist. If you can't get that referral, ask your primary care doctor to investigate.
Posted 9/18/2021 10:42 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks currently on Entyvio, and the joint pain did worsen and occurs more often now. Which joints? finger joints, shoulder joints are really bad, sometimes with pain in my mid spine, and knee joints, they get painful and stiff but it isn't all the time and can occur in different joints at different times. It comes and it goes so thankfully I get a break, but this last flare had me in tears. Bowel can be both active or quiet during the episodes? I get the nodules on the first joints of my fingers.. At first they feel hard like bone and itch and hurt, but after the flare they go down for the most part and look somewhat normal with just a hint of a bump remaining, yet my finger stiffness and slight ache is there most of the time? It's been a while since I got an RA check, but it was normal before? Yes, maybe I will stick to Tylenol for now?
Thanks.

Post Edited (dorri) : 9/18/2021 9:50:42 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/19/2021 11:31 PM (GMT -5)
Your GI should know that people with IBD have higher rates of inflammatory arthritis, and your GI should take an interest and investigate yours. Since he/she doesn't seem to be doing much or showing much interest, get a referral to a rheumatologist, either from your GI or from your primary care doctor. Or have your primary care doctor investigate if they're comfortable doing so.
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