CPD – What are the Symptoms of Enteropathic Arthritis

Joint pain is a common problem that affects many older adults. It happens when joints wear down over time and feel sore, stiff, and swollen. Some joints break down naturally as people age, but other health problems can also cause this pain. One of these conditions is enteropathic arthritis.

Many people have this joint problem, which often starts after an injury damages the bones. However, another common cause comes from a gut disease called IBD. Many people confuse these two health issues because they seem similar. But joint problems from IBD happen for different reasons. That is why learning about this condition is important.

What is enteropathic arthritis?

Enteropathic arthritis (EA) is a long-term joint problem that is closely linked to some gut diseases. For example, people with conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis may also develop EA. In addition, other gut problems, such as coeliac disease, can be connected with this health problem. Doctors believe this happens because the gut and joints affect each other. As a result, having a gut disease can increase the chances of joint issues.

This condition appears in different forms and can have many causes. For instance, some people may have specific genes, like HLA-B27, that make them more likely to get it. Meanwhile, others may develop it after infections from bacteria like salmonella or shigella. However, in most cases, the most significant cause is usually gut diseases like IBD. Therefore, treating gut problems early may help lower the risk of experiencing this issue.

Surprisingly, about 1 in 5 people with IBD may develop this joint problem. Although it is not extremely rare, it does not happen to everyone. Nevertheless, if left untreated, it can cause serious issues over time. Doctors use several methods since there is no single test to find it. For example, they may check your health history, take blood tests, or perform a colonoscopy. In the end, proper diagnosis helps manage symptoms and prevent further problems. 

Differences between enteropathic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis

Arthritis is a disease that affects the joints. It has many types, and each one happens for different reasons. For example, two types are enteropathic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). At first glance, these two may seem similar because they both cause joint pain. However, their causes are not the same. Specifically, this digestive system arthritis happens in people with bowel diseases. The main reason is that bowel disease affects the immune system, which then causes joint pain and stiffness. Hence, when bowel disease flares up, joint problems can worsen.

On the other hand, AS is another type of joint problem. Unlike enteropathic arthritis, this one primarily affects the spine and the joints near the pelvis. Sometimes, it makes the spine stiff and painful. In serious cases, it can even cause bones in the spine to grow together, making movement harder. In conclusion, the biggest difference between these two conditions is their cause. EA comes from bowel disease, whereas AS does not.

Course Brief

Enteropathic arthritis is a health problem that affects both joints and the stomach. It can cause pain and discomfort. However, you can feel much better with the proper treatment, medicine, and a good lifestyle. Taking care of your body controls the impact of this illness on your body. A special course can also teach you how to manage these symptoms correctly.

The CPD – What are the Symptoms of Enteropathic Arthritis explains everything about this condition. It helps you learn early signs and the best ways to handle them. By knowing the symptoms, you can help doctors find the proper treatment and stop it from escalating. Furthermore, the training elaborates on how stomach health connects to joint pain. Therefore, if you work in healthcare, you can create better patient treatment plans by taking this programme.

Course Structure

Understanding enteropathic arthritis can be an edge when you’re in the medical industry. Therefore, this course enables you to discover more about it. The speaker will share helpful information so you can gain valuable details. As a result, you can apply what you learn in the actual workplace. Moreover, the course will teach you ways to manage the condition and support those affected. In addition to that, there is much more to discover. Below are the materials you will get from the discussion.

• What causes this joint condition and its risk factors
• How symptoms show up and how doctors diagnose it
• What treatments help with recovery
• How IBD affects joint health
• The best ways to manage it in daily life

Entry Standards

The CPD – What are the Symptoms of Enteropathic Arthritis course has an easy sign-up system. Anyone can join without any medical experience or background. However, the course will benefit healthcare professionals, medical students, and trainees. Furthermore, it's great for people with IBD who want to manage arthritis better. Anyone interested in learning more about the disease is also welcome. This course is open to everyone who wants to understand more about it. 

Symptoms of enteropathic arthritis

Enteropathic arthritis is a type of arthritis that has different symptoms, depending on what causes it. In fact, arthritis includes conditions that make joints hurt and swell. These indications may happen before, during, or after a diagnosis. If left untreated, they can lead to more significant health problems. Therefore, it's essential to know the warning signs. Below is a list of symptoms to help you understand this disorder better.

Joint pain

It is a condition that affects the joints, especially in the legs and spine. It mainly causes pain and stiffness in the knees and ankles. This can make moving harder and less comfortable. The pain can get worse when other symptoms, like those from IBD, are also active. When the IBD flare-ups are stronger, the joint pain might feel worse, too. This illness makes it harder for people to do everyday activities. 

Abdominal pain

IBD can cause stomach pain because its signs resemble other health problems. This can make people think it's part of IBD. However, this condition is different because it happens outside the intestines. It is connected to the same process that causes problems in the stomach. In other words, while it affects other body parts, it is still linked to the issues inside the intestines. This is why doctors look for different signs to identify it.

Digestive issues

Enteropathic arthritis can cause stomach pain, which is the main digestive issue. It often comes with other symptoms like diarrhoea, weight loss, and bloody stools. These problems happen because the disease is connected to a condition that causes inflammation in the digestive system. This makes the stomach swell and feel irritated. People with the condition might also feel bloated or have cramps. In some cases, there may even be bleeding in the rectum. These symptoms can affect your overall well-being, so getting help from a professional is vital. Adjusting your diet plan can also be a small step to avoid triggers for this illness.

Eye disorders

A typical eye problem related to joint pain is uveitis. This condition happens when the middle layer of the eye becomes swollen. As a result, it causes eye pain, redness, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light. Moreover, the condition is connected to the body's swelling in people with enteropathic arthritis. This occurs because of the body's ongoing inflammation, often linked to problems in the gut. Therefore, when the body is inflamed, it can affect the eyes, leading to uveitis. If someone experiences these symptoms, seeking aid should be prioritised.

Fever

A fever can signify joint pain, but it's not always the main symptom. In fact, it might appear during flare-ups, and it is usually a mild fever. This happens because of the body's response to joint pain. Moreover, it is linked to inflammation in the body, which IBD patients often experience. Therefore, while a fever can appear, it doesn't always happen first. Instead, it mainly comes when the condition is more active.

Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom of enteropathic arthritis. This is when the body feels tired or weak due to long-lasting inflammation. It is linked to a condition called inflammatory bowel disease, which causes pain in the body. The body uses a lot of energy to fight inflammation. As a result, you feel more tired. This tiredness can make it hard to perform your everyday tasks. It can also make you feel unwell.

Skin problems

Erythema nodosum is a common skin problem linked to enteropathic arthritis. It causes painful, red lumps, usually on the shins. This condition often shows up when flare-ups occur in the belly or colon. Pyoderma gangrenosum is another skin problem that can happen along with arthritis. It causes deep, painful ulcers and is more serious. Unlike erythema nodosum, pyoderma gangrenosum doesn't directly connect to arthritis. However, it is more likely to occur in those affected people who also have ulcerative colitis.

Oral health issues

People with IBD often have joint pain, and mouth problems can make it worse. One common mouth issue is aphthous ulcers. These are small, painful sores inside the mouth. In addition, swelling of the gums or mucosal tags may occur, together with cobblestoning in the mouth lining. This happens when the surface of the mouth becomes bumpy. All of these issues could be signs of enteropathic arthritis. So, oral problems might mean that someone has this situation.

Ways to take care of patients with enteropathic arthritis

Arthritis is a group of diseases that can cause pain in the joints. Different treatments are available to help manage it. The proper treatment depends on the type and symptoms. These treatments aim to ease pain and slow down the disease, which can help people feel better and live without too many struggles.

The College of Contract Management offers several courses to help improve the patient’s quality of life. One of these courses teaches how to manage joint pain linked to stomach problems. This training was made to help people get better by learning how to reduce joint discomfort. It also allows them to handle challenges caused by the condition. Because of this, the college is known for providing helpful courses people trust.

With this knowledge, you can stop symptoms or serious problems caused by enteropathic arthritis. The course schedule will be shared soon. We will share it when the speakers and materials are ready. If you need more details or help, you can contact our team. We are always here to assist you!