For people living with lupus, pain can be one of the most persistent and difficult symptoms to manage. Whether it’s joint discomfort, muscle aches or nerve-related pain, lupus symptoms can make daily activities feel overwhelming. But the good news is that a combination of medical treatments, lifestyle changes and self-awareness can make a meaningful difference. Listening to your body, staying both physically and mentally prepared, and making intentional daily choices can help you take more control over your health and comfort.
Here are some key pain management strategies and lifestyle changes that can make a difference.
Work Closely with Your Health Care Team
Your health care team is one of your greatest allies in managing lupus pain. Whether you’re seeing a rheumatologist, primary care physician, or specialists like physical therapists and mental health care providers, regular check-ups and open communication is essential. Keep track of your symptoms, including pain patterns, fatigue and emotional changes, and share them during your appointments. These insights can help your providers adjust your treatments and spot flares early.
Medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, or corticosteroids may be prescribed to help control pain and inflammation. But you may also want to ask about additional pain management options beyond medication, such as physical therapy, acupuncture, or counseling.
Be honest with how lupus affects your life, both physically and emotionally. A collaborative relationship can help you feel more supported, understood and empowered in your care.
Make Your Mental Health and Self-Care a Priority
Stress can trigger lupus flares and amplify physical pain. Taking care of your mental health and creating space for self-care are just as important as managing physical symptoms. Medical intervention during a flare is essential, but practicing mindfulness techniques — such as deep breathing, meditation or journaling — to help you stay centered can make a big difference in how you feel.
Self-care may look different for you compared to someone else with lupus. Self-care can be done independently or with the help of your health care team. Dr. May Choi in our podcast episode of The Expert Series: Self-Care & Self-Management for People with Lupus explains how people who practice self-care have better symptom control, better quality of life and longer survival. Pay attention to your emotional well-being and talk to a mental health professional if stress, anxiety or depression becomes overwhelming.
Review our comprehensive list of mental health programs seeking to aid people with lupus manage their disease.
Build Your Support Network
Lupus can feel isolating, but you don’t have to face it alone. A strong support system can make a world of difference, emotionally and practically! Lean on friends and family who understand your needs, and don’t hesitate to communicate openly about how you’re feeling.
Connecting with others who are also living with lupus can be powerful. The Lupus Foundation of America offers:
- In-person and virtual support groups
- Online community forums
- Educational webinars and events
- Peer support programs
These communities create a space for shared understanding, encouragement and practice advice. Sometimes just hearing, “I’ve been there too,” is enough to lift the weight of isolation. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing lupus for years, you can find lupus support near you.
Stay Active with Gentle Movement
Although joint pain and fatigue may make exercise challenging, staying active can help manage symptoms. Regular physical activity can help reduce stiffness, improve energy and even boost your mood. With lupus, it’s important to move in a way that’s kind to your body. Low impact exercises like walking, swimming, stretching or yoga can help strengthen your muscles with no required gear and less stress on your joints.
Watch our low impact exercise video for an example of what you can do at home — and remember, always listen to your body and modify exercises as needed to avoid overexertion.
Make Rest and Sleep a Non-Negotiable
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of lupus, and poor sleep can make pain and inflammation worse. Getting enough quality rest is imperative to help your body recover. To improve sleep quality:
- Establish a consistent sleep schedule.
- Create a wind-down routine before bed — such as avoiding screens and stimulants like caffeine before you sleep.
- Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.
Did you know our free SELF app offers breathing and mindfulness activities? Learn more and download the app today!
Eat a Variety of Healthy Foods
A balanced diet can play a crucial role in managing lupus symptoms. There is no special “lupus diet,” as a food that causes problems for one person may have no effect on you. Instead, focus on dietary changes that help you get key nutrients, like:
- Eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids from sources like fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts
- Reducing processed foods, refined sugars and unhealthy fats that can trigger inflammation
- Staying hydrated to support your overall health
Learn more about eating healthy when you have lupus.
Pain management with lupus isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about learning to recognize your body’s signals, staying prepared for flare-ups, and building habits that support your physical and mental health. Taking small, consistent steps can lead to big improvements, helping you live well with lupus.
Authored by:
April Fuller
This blog post and the lupus resources found on the National Resource Center on Lupus are, in part, supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under Cooperative Agreement Number NU58 DP006139. The contents are solely the responsibility of the developers. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Department of Health and Human Services.
This blog post is for educational and information purposes only. Consult with your doctor/health care team for medical advice.
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