Flare question - Arthritis?

[Lam123]

Hi Everyone,
So, the last two weeks a flare started, from my experience, I felt it was a minor flare. Most of my symptoms of the flare have calmed down, but now my knees feel swollen. I find the last 10 years or so, everytime I get a flare my knees act up. I end up going on prednisone for my knees. Anyone know why this happens? Does this happen to anyone else?

 

[theOcean]

It's pretty common to experience when in flare. Arthritis is an extraintestinal manifestation of Crohn's, which is why we get arthritic symptoms when in flare.

 

[Essieluv]

I agree with Ocean....Arthritis is actually pretty common among IBDers unfortunately. This extra intestinal manifestation of IBD is called Enteropathic Arthritis. The best way to describe it is that the inflammation caused by IBD travels to your joints, it doesn't just stay in your gut. This causes pain, swelling, and stiffness. It's good that the pred helps, even though no one likes pred. If this has been an ongoing problem, you may want to see a rheumatologist, as many of them can help treat Enteropathic Arthritis.

 

[Lam123]

My joints seem fine any other time. They seem to flare up only when the gut is flaring.

 

[theOcean]

Then it's likely something that should go away once your flare is over, as well. I get arthritic symptoms when I'm flaring and only then.