Alcohol consumption may cause joint pain in some people. For example, in people with gout, alcohol may increase uric acid levels and cause pain.
Alcohol consumption — particularly excessive consumption — is associated with various health issues. For certain people, it may lead to joint pain or discomfort due to some of the effects it can have on the body.
This article explores alcohol’s relationship to joint pain, arthritis, and inflammation.
Some people report that alcohol causes their joints to ache. This could happen for several reasons.
Hangover
The day after significant alcohol consumption, people can feel unwell. This is known as a hangover, and muscle pain
Joint pain is not a typical symptom of a hangover, but if the muscle pain occurs near a joint, people may mistake it for joint pain. Alternatively, people may feel generally achy all over the body.
Inflammation
According to a 2019 study, alcohol can both increase and decrease inflammation, which may have knock-on effects for people with pre-existing joint or inflammatory conditions.
However, whether alcohol increases inflammation may depend on the dose, timing, and duration of alcohol exposure. Short-term or one-off alcohol consumption may reduce inflammation or have no effect.
Long-term or chronic alcohol consumption increases inflammation, promoting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Overuse or injury
Alcohol
People may also feel achy if they drink alcohol while dancing or doing other strenuous activities.
Alcohol may also lead to joint pain if it exacerbates a pre-existing condition, such as:
Gout
Alcohol can increase uric acid levels in the blood, though it may not be consistent across all alcohol types.
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Increased uric acid levels can put a person at a
Celiac disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that causes symptoms if a person consumes gluten, which is a protein that occurs naturally in various plants.
Some alcoholic drinks, such as beer, contain gluten. People with celiac disease who drink beer may experience symptoms, which could include joint pain.
Medication interactions
People who take medications to reduce inflammation may find that alcohol interacts with them, reducing how well they work. This could lead to worsening joint pain.
For example, people with psoriatic arthritis may not be able to drink alcohol while taking certain drugs, or experience side effects if they do.
Arthritis is an umbrella term for several conditions. Usually, people use the word to refer to osteoarthritis (OA), which occurs due to the wear and tear of joints.
The relationship between alcohol consumption and OA is unclear. Studies have reached contradictory conclusions about whether alcohol increases or decreases the risk of OA development.
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Researchers may have concluded alcohol was a protective factor when other factors could have played a role. The meta-analysis concluded that evidence appears to dispel the notions of alcohol as a protective measure against OA.
Furthermore, a study from 2022 found evidence to suggest that excessive alcohol consumption may increase the risk of osteoarthritis in the knee.
Additional larger studies are also necessary to assess this potential risk factor. People with concerns about how alcohol may affect joint health can speak with a healthcare professional.
The best way to manage joint pain that is due to alcohol consumption is to stop drinking alcohol and allow the body to recover.
There is
- drinking water
- resting
- trying over-the-counter pain medications
However, it is important to note that alcohol can cause issues with common pain medications. For those who take acetaminophen, alcohol consumption can increase the risk of liver damage.
Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen alongside alcohol may also carry a higher risk of causing issues in the stomach, such as ulcers.
If a person drinks heavily and frequently, they should not suddenly quit alcohol entirely without medical supervision. Suddenly stopping excessive alcohol consumption can be dangerous.
Anyone who regularly experiences joint pain during or after drinking alcohol, and is not sure why, should speak with a doctor.
This reaction could be a sign of an underlying condition, such as gout or celiac disease. Without treatment, people may continue to experience pain or other uncomfortable symptoms. In some cases, they may cause permanent joint damage without treatment.
People who have pre-existing conditions can also contact a doctor for advice on whether they should avoid alcohol.
Help is available
Seeking help for addiction may feel daunting or even scary, but several organizations can provide support.
If you believe that you or someone close to you is showing signs of addiction, you can contact the following organizations for immediate help and advice:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 800-662-4357 (TTY: 800-487-4889)
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about alcohol and joint pain.
No, typically alcohol does not cause the joints to hurt. People who frequently experience this symptom after drinking alcohol may have an underlying condition.
This will depend on the cause of the pain. If the cause is general inflammation, then drinking stronger drinks over a prolonged period may increase inflammation further.
For others, the other substances in an alcoholic drink, such as the gluten in beer, may be the issue.
People with this symptom should consult a doctor. They can perform tests to determine if a person has an underlying condition that needs treatment.
Alcohol consumption may lead to joint pain in various ways. It may increase inflammation, raise the risk of injury, or cause general muscle aches as part of a hangover.
People with certain pre-existing conditions may also find that alcohol makes their symptoms worse. A person may be able to prevent this joint pain by limiting how much alcohol they consume.
If possible, a person should speak with a healthcare professional about this symptom if they do not know what is causing it.