Question: Can Cushing’s cause arthritis?

Answer: There is no increased risk of arthritis with Cushing’s syndrome. In fact, due to the anti-inflammatory effect of cortisone, many patients with arthritis have substantial improvement when they develop spontaneous Cushing’s syndrome. Conversely, patients with arthritis may have exacerbation of the problem when the Cushing’s syndrome is treated and cortisol levels are decreased into the normal or subnormal range. Another condition, osteonecrosis, is due to bone deterioration resulting from lack of blood supply to the bone. This condition often mimics arthritis in terms of joint pain and can be differentiated on the basis of bone scans or x-rays.

By Dr. James Findling MD (June, 1997)