Can Kidney Disease Cause Arthritis?
December 11, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Kidney disease itself typically doesn’t directly cause arthritis. However, certain types of kidney conditions or complications associated with kidney disease can indirectly lead to joint problems or arthritis-like symptoms.
One such condition is called secondary hyperparathyroidism, which can occur in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). When the kidneys are not functioning properly, they may struggle to maintain the balance of minerals in the body, including calcium and phosphorus. As a result, the body’s parathyroid glands can become overactive, leading to increased levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Elevated PTH levels can affect the bones and joints, causing a condition known as renal osteodystrophy, which may lead to bone and joint pain that mimics arthritis symptoms.
Additionally, some forms of kidney disease, such as lupus nephritis or certain types of vasculitis that affect the kidneys, are autoimmune disorders. These conditions can also cause inflammation and joint pain that may resemble arthritis symptoms.
Furthermore, individuals with kidney disease may have a higher prevalence of certain types of arthritis due to shared risk factors or underlying health conditions. For example, gout, a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, is more common in people with kidney disease because the kidneys may have difficulty eliminating uric acid from the body.
While kidney disease itself doesn’t directly cause arthritis, it’s important to be aware that certain kidney conditions or complications associated with kidney disease can contribute to joint pain, inflammation, or conditions that mimic arthritis symptoms. If someone with kidney disease experiences joint pain or swelling, they should consult their healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management of their symptoms.