Diarrhea Associated With Joint Pain

Diarrhea is defined as having bowel movements that are too loose or that occur too frequently (or both). Joint pain can occur in one or more joints and is often associated with injury, arthritis or infection. While no cause-and-effect relationship exists between these symptoms, diarrhea and joint pain can occur together as a result of a common underlying disorder.

Identification

• Diarrhea is often marked by watery, foul-smelling or urgent bowel movements and may be accompanied by other gastrointestinal symptoms, such as gas, cramping and nausea. Joint pain may be described as burning, aching or throbbing pain, and it sometimes occurs with stiffness and decreased range of motion in the affected joints.

Causes

• According to HealthLine.com, possible causes of diarrhea with joint pain include swine flu, ulcerative colitis, polio, fifth disease, Legionnaire’s disease, leptospirosis and Whipple’s disease. Some medications may cause both diarrhea and joint pain, as can digestive disorders, such as celiac disease.

Complications

• Complications depend largely on the underlying cause of symptoms. Prolonged diarrhea may lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and weight loss, and joint pain can cause a decrease in productivity and quality of life.

Treatment

• According to eMedTV.com, eating smaller portions of easily digestible foods, such as bananas, plain rice and toast, can help manage the symptoms of diarrhea. The over-the-counter medication loperamide calms the intestinal contractions that cause diarrhea, and over-the-counter analgesics, such as acetaminophen and aspirin, may help relieve joint pain.

Warning

• Determining the underlying cause of diarrhea and joint pain is vital to choosing safe and effective treatment. To prevent adverse effects, never attempt to treat these symptoms without a doctor’s supervision or without first obtaining a proper diagnosis.