What autoimmune disease causes tendon inflammation
What autoimmune disease causes tendon inflammation Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to inflammation, pain, and tissue damage. Among these conditions, certain autoimmune diseases are known to cause inflammation of tendons, a condition medically referred to as tendinitis or tenosynovitis. One such disease that prominently features tendon inflammation is rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic autoimmune disorder primarily affecting the joints, but it can also involve other tissues, including tendons, the fibrous connective tissues that attach muscles to bones. In RA, the immune system’s aberrant response targets synovial membranes—the lining of the joints—causing inflammation, swelling, and pain. Over time, this persistent inflammation can extend to surrounding structures, including tendons and their sheaths, resulting in tendinitis. Tendon inflammation in RA often manifests as pain, swelling, and decreased mobility, especially around the fingers, wrists, elbows, and shoulders.
The mechanism behind this involves immune cells, such as T-cells and macrophages, infiltrating the synovial tissue and releasing inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukins. These cytokines promote inflammation and tissue destruction. When tendons are involved, the inflammation can cause thickening of the tendons, pain during movement, and, in some cases, tendon rupture if untreated. Tendon involvement is not exclusive to RA; other autoimmune conditions, including psoriatic arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), can also cause tendon inflammation, but RA remains the most common autoimmune disease associated with this problem.
In addition to RA, spondyloarthropathies—a group of autoimmune diseases including ankylosing spondylitis and reactive arthritis—also frequently involve tendons and their insertions, a condition known as enthesitis. Enthesitis refers to inflammation at the sites where tendons and ligaments attach to bone, leading to pain and swelling that can mimic or overlap with tendinitis.
Diagnosis of autoimmune-related tendon inflammation involves clinical examination and imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI, which can reveal tendon thickening, fluid accumulation, and signs of inflammation. Blood tests may also reveal markers of systemic inflammation, such as elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), along with specific autoantibodies like rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies, which support the diagnosis of RA.
Treatment focuses on controlling the underlying autoimmune process and reducing inflammation. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), including methotrexate, are mainstays of therapy for RA. Biologic agents targeting specific cytokines like TNF-α inhibitors have revolutionized management and significantly improved outcomes. Additionally, corticosteroids and physical therapy may be used to alleviate symptoms and improve function. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent irreversible tendon damage and maintain quality of life.
In summary, rheumatoid arthritis is a key autoimmune disease known to cause tendon inflammation, among other tissues. Recognizing and treating this condition early can help reduce complications and preserve joint and tendon health.
