Can my ulcerative colitis cause joint pain at age 38?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 38-year-old female diagnosed with ulcerative colitis last year. Lately, I have been getting more tired and having joint pains and mild rectal bleeding. I poop probably 4-5 times a day. Do tell me, please.

Could ulcerative colitis also cause joint-related symptoms?
Should blood tests be done to check for anemia during flares?
Would changing diet alone help control these symptoms?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and understand your concern.

Ulcerative colitis (a long-term disease that causes swelling and sores in the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum) can sometimes cause symptoms outside the intestine, called extraintestinal manifestations.

Joint pain is one of the most common and may affect knees, ankles, wrists, or small joints. In many patients, the joint symptoms parallel intestinal activity, so when bowel symptoms such as rectal bleeding and increased stool frequency (four to five per day) appear, joint discomfort may also worsen.

Fatigue during a flare is also common and may be related to anemia (low levels of healthy red blood cells or RBCs that carry oxygen throughout your body), chronic inflammation, or nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, it is reasonable to perform blood tests, including hemoglobin, iron profile, CRP (C-reactive protein), or ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), and sometimes vitamin B12 and vitamin D levels. Food alone cannot treat ulcerative colitis, but eating the right foods may help reduce symptoms.

During active disease, many patients tolerate a soft, low-residue diet, adequate fluids, and avoidance of foods that worsen symptoms, such as very spicy or greasy foods, excessive caffeine, or alcohol. Dairy may be limited if it worsens bloating or diarrhea.

However, medical treatment remains the mainstay of treatment. If you continue to have bleeding, fatigue, or joint pain, return to your gastroenterologist for reevaluation of disease activity and medication adjustments as needed. Similarly, good control of intestinal inflammation often improves joint symptoms.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.