Stress and arthritis: Here's how mental strain can worsen joint pain

Arthritis is a condition marked by inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. The two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune condition) and osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease). On the other hand, stress is the body’s reaction to prolonged exposure to stressors, which can trigger the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. While these hormones are designed to help the body cope with immediate threats, long-term exposure to them can cause inflammation, making conditions like arthritis worse.

Despite being a mental issue, stress can have negative effects on physical health, especially when it comes to chronic conditions like arthritis. Both arthritis and stress are long-term challenges that can influence each other, making the management of both crucial for improving your well-being, says Dr Kaushal Malhan, Director-Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement Surgery, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, “Chronic stress not only worsens arthritis pain but can also speed up the progression of the disease. Therefore managing stress is vital for improving joint health,” he says.

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Dr Malhan explains how stress and arthritis are connected and shares strategies to manage these conditions:

• Stress can trigger or worsen arthritis symptoms: Stressful life events or ongoing stress can trigger the onset of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms or worsen existing arthritis conditions, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

• Stress leads to inflammation: Prolonged stress causes the release of hormones that contribute to inflammation, which can intensify the pain and discomfort of arthritis, especially in autoimmune forms like rheumatoid arthritis.

• Muscle tension increases pain: Stress often causes muscle tension, which can make arthritis pain feel more intense. Tight muscles around the affected joints can also contribute to increased stiffness and discomfort.

• Mental health impact and social isolation: Arthritis can limit movement, leading to social isolation. Combined with the mental toll of dealing with chronic pain, this creates a vicious cycle where stress worsens arthritis, and arthritis exacerbates stress.

• Weakened immune function: Chronic stress weakens the immune system, which can worsen autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, where the body’s immune system attacks its own joints, causing inflammation.

Managing both stress and arthritis require positive lifestyle changes and proper treatment. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga can significantly reduce stress levels. “For arthritis, maintaining a consistent treatment plan, using assistive devices, and engaging in regular exercises can help manage symptoms. However, professional help may be needed if stress becomes overwhelming or arthritis symptoms become difficult to control, as both conditions require long-term attention and care” says Dr.Malhan