Can Alcoholism cause Joint Pain?

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Alcoholism, also called “alcohol use disorder”, is a disease that affects 10% of Americans 12 or older. It is characterized by an inability to control the number and/or frequency of alcoholic drinks the person consumes.

There are also many side effects of this increased and uncontrollable consumption, including several types of cancer, heart disease, stroke, pancreatitis, and more. However, some may wonder if joint pain is also a symptom. Can alcoholism cause joint pain?

Let’s look at how alcohol affects the body (especially the joints) and then we’ll see if we can answer the question, “Can alcoholism cause joint pain?”

How Alcohol Affects the Body

Alcohol affects nearly every bodily organ and function but, most importantly, it negatively impacts a person’s overall health. Even if a person does not show symptoms in a particular organ or other part of their body, they will almost certainly not be as healthy in general as a similar person who drinks less.

A major reason for this is that consuming alcohol causes inflammation, which impacts different parts of the body in different ways. For example, inflammation in a person’s facial tissues results in the pinkish hue, flushing, and the classic “red nose” often exhibited by alcoholics.

Additionally, it also affects recovery times by reducing the immune system’s ability to fight off infections. This means that existing inflammation will take longer to subside if a person consumes alcohol during the recovery period.

The Connection Between Alcoholism and Joint Pain

Alcohol can also exacerbate existing inflammation in a person’s joints in several ways. First, some types of alcohol (beer, in particular) contain a type of chemical compound called “purines”. It then creates further purines by causing the breakdown of nucleotides within the body.

When purines break down, they’re converted to uric acid. If a person’s body has too much uric acid, it begins to crystalize in specific areas, usually the joints in their hands and feet. The medical term for excess uric acid is hyperuricemia and it is the primary cause of gout.

Additionally, consuming alcohol in excessive amounts can not only cause a person’s body to create too many purines, but it can also prevent them from being able to dispose of the ones they’ve already built up, which can easily result in an excess of crystalized uric acid in the joints.

Another condition that can be exacerbated by alcohol is arthritis, which has several risk factors like a weakened immune system, lifestyle choices that cause inflammation (like stress or alcohol use), and conditions like gout that cause inflammation.

Dehydration and nutrient deficiencies are also risk factors for arthritis, gout, and other diseases. These are not necessarily related to the consumption of alcohol itself but, in the case of alcoholics, they’re often found as comorbidities.

Not only does alcohol dehydrate a person, but alcoholics don’t often eat as much as non-alcoholics for various reasons, like the calorie content of beer or hard alcohol making a person feel fuel, lack of desire, pain when eating, or other causes. This can lead to vitamin, mineral, and other nutrition-related deficiencies.

Long-Term Effects of Alcoholism on Joint Health

Alcoholism can both cause and accelerate many long-term health conditions, especially those involving chronic inflammation and tissue damage. Excessive amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of knee and other joint-related issues, particularly for individuals already suffering from joint disease or arthritis. Alcohol’s negative effects on blood flow—essential for the healing process—can slow recovery and worsen existing conditions.

Chronic alcohol misuse may also trigger gout attacks and flare-ups of inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis due to its impact on uric acid levels. Additionally, alcohol reduces joint lubrication, leading to discomfort and reduced mobility over time.

The treatment of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, can be further complicated by alcohol consumption. While some medications offer anti-inflammatory effects, excessive drinking can interfere with these treatments, leading to liver damage and an increased risk of complications, such as ulcers and poor overall health outcomes.

For many people, the strongest impacts of alcoholism manifest in their physical mobility and quality of life. Over time, excessive drinking can overtake a person’s life to the point where obtaining the next drink becomes their sole focus, often at the expense of relationships, friendships, and overall well-being.

How to Address Alcohol-Related Joint Pain

If you or someone you know is experiencing joint pain or other issues that may be connected to alcohol consumption, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Excessive alcohol intake can contribute to certain types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis, while worsening arthritis symptoms and chronic joint pain.

Managing joint pain can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Lifestyle changes, such as reducing or eliminating alcohol entirely, can significantly reduce the inflammatory effects of alcohol. For those practicing moderate alcohol consumption or considering cutting back, staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet can also help improve overall joint health. Additionally, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or alternatives like acetaminophen can offer temporary pain relief for mild to moderate symptoms.

At Live Free Recovery Services, we provide a variety of programs aimed at holistic healing. Our treatments address not only alcohol misuse but also coexisting conditions like mental health concerns and trauma. Simply put, for many individuals struggling with alcohol misuse, there is often an underlying reason for drinking alcohol, such as unresolved trauma or mental health challenges. Without addressing these root causes, achieving recovery and avoiding relapse becomes significantly more difficult.

We offer:

• Drug and alcohol detox
• Inpatient programs
• Intensive outpatient recovery programs
• Partial hospitalization programs
• Telehealth/virtual therapy sessions

You may also benefit from medication-assisted treatment (MAT), including prescription medications designed to curb cravings and prevent relapse. Although effective, MAT remains underutilized—according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, only 1.9% of adults with alcoholism undergo this type of treatment.

It’s easy to think you can do it alone, but building a strong support system is key to long-term success. Rehab programs, therapy, and both inpatient and outpatient treatment options can be vital components of that support system. No matter where you are in your recovery journey, Live Free Recovery Services is here to help you take the next step toward a healthier, pain-free future.

Summary and Conclusion

Alcoholism can lead to a large number of serious problems in a person’s life, including increasing joint pain and contributing to medical conditions such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Excessive drinking can cause crystals of uric acid to coat the joints, resulting in painful and debilitating conditions.

It’s essential to prioritize your health by making lifestyle changes, such as adopting a balanced diet and seeking medical advice when needed. A healthy diet can play a role in managing symptoms and improving overall well-being, while healthcare professionals can provide guidance on treatment options tailored to your needs, including managing conditions with medications like methotrexate when appropriate.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol misuse and its effects, Live Free Recovery Services is here to help. We work tirelessly to improve the lives of individuals affected by alcoholism and other substance use disorders. Give us a call or use the form on our website to speak with one of our friendly, knowledgeable representatives and take the first steps toward getting your life back on track.