Postpartum arthritis is temporary joint pain in new mothers after giving birth. Inflammation of the joints causes pain and stiffness, which is often caused by the sudden hormonal changes after childbirth. Pain usually clusters around the back, knees, or hands, typically causing swelling.
Many of the women we see at Align Health Collective report swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving after giving birth. Generally, we can diagnose this as postpartum arthritis. There are ways to manage and even cure this condition with the proper diet, exercise routines, and physiotherapy.
According to a study published in Advanced Therapy, postpartum flares of arthritis are common amongst women with pre-existing rheumatic conditions. For example, rheumatoid arthritis has a postpartum flare rate of approximately 46%, while psoriatic arthritis flares occur in 28 to 55% of cases, typically peaking around 6 months after giving birth.
Let’s explore this phenomenon and find out how common it is, possible causes, and whether postpartum arthritis can be prevented or cured.
Key Takeaways
- Postpartum arthritis is different from other forms because it is usually temporary.
- Symptoms of postpartum arthritis seem to centre around postpartum knee pain, spinal pain, and stiffness of the hands.
- Physiotherapy is a good method for managing and curing postpartum arthritis.
- Postpartum arthritis is typically brought on because of hormonal changes in the body after giving birth.
What are the Common Symptoms of Postpartum Arthritis?
Common symptoms of postpartum arthritis include postpartum joint pain, joint stiffness, and swelling around the back, knees, and hands. This condition can also cause chronic fatigue and a reduction in flexibility. Joints will be sore to the touch, and you may also experience a hot feeling when your joints are even lightly touched.
| Symptom | Description | When It Occurs | Possible Area Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joint Pain | Aching or soreness in joints | Often in the morning or after rest | Knees, hands, wrists, ankles |
| Joint Stiffness | Difficulty moving joints freely | Especially after waking up | Fingers, hips, knees |
| Swelling | Visible puffiness around joints | Can occur throughout the day | Ankles, hands, feet |
| Fatigue | Feeling unusually tired or drained | Persistent even with rest | Whole body |
| Warmth in Joints | Joints feel hot to the touch | Often during flare-ups | Wrists, elbows, knees |
| Reduced Range of Motion | Trouble bending or straightening joints fully | While doing daily activities | Shoulders, fingers, hips |
| Joint Tenderness | Joints hurt when touched or pressed | Constant or with pressure | Knuckles, toes, knees |
| Muscle Weakness | Muscles around joints feel weaker | Gradual or sudden onset | Arms, legs, hands |
What Causes Joint Pain after Pregnancy?
Joint pain (or postpartum arthritis) is mainly caused by hormonal fluctuations after giving birth. It can also be brought on by rapid weight gain during pregnancy, which puts strain on the back and joints. Being pregnant also changes your posture, which can contribute to postpartum arthritis.
Other causes include:
- Changes in how you stand and move: During pregnancy, your body changes shape, and you may stand or walk differently. After birth, when you’re caring for your baby, you might bend or hunch over often. These changes can put stress on your joints and the surrounding tissues.
- Your immune system acting up: Pregnancy can trigger your immune system to attack your own joints. This might happen if you have conditions like rheumatoid arthritis that were undetected before you got pregnant.
- Strain from giving birth: The process of delivering your baby can be hard on your body, especially on the joints in your pelvis and lower back.
- Not enough nutrients: Your body uses a lot of calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you don’t get enough of these, your joints might start to hurt.
- Repeating the same movements: Taking care of a newborn means you’re constantly lifting, carrying, and feeding your baby. These repeated movements can strain your joints.
- Not getting enough sleep: When you have a new baby, you probably aren’t sleeping well. Being tired can make you more sensitive to pain and make your joints feel worse.
How does Postpartum Arthritis Differ from Other Types of Arthritis?
Postpartum arthritis is diagnosed separately from other forms of arthritis because it occurs after (or during) pregnancy. Hormonal changes trigger the onset of postpartum arthritis, and it can often be cured. Most other forms of arthritis can be managed, but are incurable.
Here’s a breakdown of how postpartum arthritis differs from other types of arthritis:
| Postpartum Arthritis | Other Types of Arthritis | |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Appears after childbirth | Can develop at any age or stage of life |
| Trigger | Hormonal changes and physical stress | Genetics, age, injury, autoimmune factors |
| Duration | Often temporary and may resolve in months | Can be chronic and lifelong |
| Affected Population | New mothers in the postpartum period | General population including men and women |
| Common Symptoms | Joint pain, stiffness, fatigue, swelling | Similar symptoms but may vary by type |
| Diagnosis | Often clinical, based on timing and symptoms | May require blood tests and imaging |
| Treatment Approach | Focus on recovery, rest, and physical therapy | May include long-term medication plans |
| Outlook | Generally good, with full recovery possible | Depends on type and severity |
What Treatments are Available for Postpartum Arthritis?
Treatments that are available for postpartum arthritis include:
- Physiotherapy for muscle strengthening, flexibility, and range of motion
- Pain relief medications
- Hot or cold therapy
- Rest and joint protection
- Supportive devices like splints, braces, and supportive footwear
- Nutrition and dietary changes
- Gentle exercises and stretches
- Stress management
- Acupuncture
- Medical treatment
Physiotherapy
Working with one of the physiotherapists at Align HC can help you manage postpartum arthritis by gradually increasing your flexibility, strength, and range of motion. This condition is rarely permanent, so get the treatment you need now so that the problem doesn’t persist as you get older.
Pain Relief Medications
Many pain-relief options are safe for breastfeeding mothers when used as directed. Talk with your qualified healthcare professional about over-the-counter anti-inflammatories to reduce joint inflammation.
Hot or Cold Therapy
Heat therapy relaxes muscles and increases blood flow to painful joints. Cold therapy reduces inflammation and numbs localised pain for temporary relief.
Rest and Joint Protection
Strategic rest periods prevent overexertion of inflamed joints. Learning proper body mechanics helps protect vulnerable joints during baby care activities.
Supportive Devices
Splints, braces, and supportive footwear stabilise affected joints and redistribute pressure. They promote proper alignment during daily activities and baby care.
Nutrition and Dietary Changes
Anti-inflammatory foods help reduce joint inflammation naturally. Increasing calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids supports overall joint health.
Gentle Exercises and Stretches
Low-impact activities maintain joint mobility without excessive strain. They build supporting muscles and release endorphins that help manage pain.
Stress Management
Deep breathing and meditation reduce stress hormones that worsen inflammation. These techniques improve sleep quality and raise pain thresholds.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture or dry needling can be very effective pain-relief methods. They use fine needles inserted at specific points to stimulate pain-relieving chemicals. Many women get significant relief from postpartum joint pain.
Medical Treatment
A qualified rheumatologist may prescribe breastfeeding-compatible medications for severe symptoms. These treatments control inflammation and prevent potential joint damage.
Postpartum Arthritis FAQs
Can postpartum arthritis occur during pregnancy?
No, postpartum arthritis doesn’t occur during pregnancy, because it specifically refers to arthritis that develops after giving birth. However, joint pain and stiffness can start developing as your pregnancy progresses, and can ultimately turn into postpartum arthritis after you’ve had your baby.
Are there home remedies for managing postpartum joint pain?
Yes, several home remedies can help manage postpartum joint pain:
- Warm baths with Epsom salts
- Gentle stretching exercises
- Ice packs on inflamed joints
- Turmeric or ginger tea
- Omega-3 rich foods
- Proper posture when breastfeeding
- Supportive pillows
- Compression gloves
- Adequate rest
Is postpartum arthritis linked to postpartum depression?
Studies suggest that postpartum arthritis and depression might be connected. The ongoing joint pain can make it harder to care for your baby and yourself, which can affect your mood. Both conditions involve inflammation in the body. If you have joint pain after having a baby, it’s important to tell your doctor about any sad or anxious feelings, too.
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