Symptoms on the joints

Sarcoidosis can also cause symptoms in the joints. All parts of the joint, i.e. the bone ends as well as the synovial fluid or tendons that run over them, can be inflamed. Regardless of which structure is affected, pain always occurs.

These become correspondingly stronger when the joint is moved. The pain is most severe when the joint is heavily loaded, such as in the right knee joint when jumping on the right leg. As sarcoidosis progresses, the surrounding soft tissues are often affected, which increasingly limits the mobility of the joint.

Acute sarcoidosis can lead to so-called polyarthritis, which means that several different joints become inflamed. Polyarthritis also occurs in Löfgren’s syndrome, in which the ankle joints are particularly affected. However, the joints are also frequently affected in chronic sarcoidosis.

Symptoms on the eyes

Infection of the eyes occurs in 25-60% of cases of sarcoidosis. Every structure of the eye can be affected. Frequently, both sides of the eye are affected, which means that both eyes are usually affected.

Since the eye infestation often goes unnoticed, an ophthalmological examination should always be performed when diagnosing sarcoidosis. The most frequent manifestation of sarcoidosis in the eyes is the so-called uveitis, i.e. inflammation of the middle skin of the eye. In the case of anterior uveitis, pain and reddening of the affected eye is common.

Furthermore, the affected persons often react more sensitively to light. The posterior uveitis is rather asymptomatic. But the iris, i.e. the iris, can also be affected by sarcoidosis. This also causes pain and increased sensitivity to light. If the infestation of the eyes remains unnoticed, the optic nerve can also be affected with permanent visual disturbances, which is why it is very important to consult an ophthalmologist at an early stage.

Symptoms of the heart

In its chronic form, sarcoidosis can also affect the heart, although this often remains without symptoms. However, if symptoms occur, they can be very diverse. When inflammatory tissue of sarcoidosis forms on the nerves of the heart, cardiac arrhythmia can occur, which can be of varying severity. Pericardial effusion, i.e. an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium, can also occur, which can lead to shortness of breath, especially under stress. Are you more interested in this topic?