RA flare-ups cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
They can be triggered by diet, stress, illness, weather changes, smoking, and overexertion.
This article discusses RA flare-ups.
seksan Mongkhonkhamsao / Getty Images
seksan Mongkhonkhamsao / Getty Images
What Is an RA Flare-Up?
Flare-ups are episodes of increased disease activity in which the body is fighting itself.With RA flare-ups, inflammation increases.
With a flare-up, you experience a short-term increase in RA symptoms.
A flare-up can last a few days or persist for weeks or months.
Flare-ups typically involve joint stiffness and pain, but all RA symptoms can worsen, including fatigue.
If a flare-up is especially severe, it can affect your ability to perform daily tasks.
Each person with RA will experience flare-ups of their disease differently.
Symptoms of a flare-up include:
The symptoms of a flare-up can be overwhelming and frustrating.
Symptoms can also affect your sleep quality and ability to perform daily tasks.
Disease flare-ups can sometimes happen randomly, without any known cause or trigger.
Stress
Researchers know that stress can make RA worse, but they don’t understand why.
They suspect a link between inflammation and the body’s stress response.
The more inflammation you have, the more likely you will experience an RA flare.
Weather
Some studies have suggested weather or seasonal changes could impact RA symptoms.
Smoking
People with RA who smoke have higher inflammatory protein (cytokine) levels in their bodies.
Smokers with RA also have more active disease processes than those who have never smoked or have quit smoking.
The more active your disease, the more likely you will experience joint damage or disability.
You may even need surgery to repair or replace damaged joints.
Overexertion
Overexertion of your body and joints can cause RA to flare up.
You should avoid pushing yourself, especially when symptoms start creeping up.
Take the time to recognize when a flare is coming on.
Knowing your limits will get easier the longer you live with RA.
Trauma to a joint can also worsen RA symptoms.
Take care to protect your joints, especially when exercising or doing a physical chore like gardening.
But having RA doesn’t mean you’re gonna wanna avoid physical activity.
It means you should protect your joints and slow down as needed.
It is sometimes possible to avoid getting a flare or reduce the severity of RA flares.
The best way to do this is by learning to avoid triggers.
Another way is to stay on top of your treatment plan.
Managing RA Flare-Ups
An RA flare-up can last for days or even weeks.
Here are some ways to find relief during a flare-up.
Heat or Cold Therapy
Arthritis flare-up pain can be treated with either heat or ice.
Cold therapy helps reduce pain and swelling by constricting blood vessels and numbing the affected area.
Heat improves blood flow, relaxes tight muscles, and eases joint stiffness.
Wrap an icepack in a light towel and apply to the painful area for up to 20 minutes.
Heat therapy may or may not be helpful during an acute flare, so use your judgment.
Some people also find it helpful to alternate between ice and heat.
Exercise
Lack of activity can add more stiffness and pain to your joints during a flare-up.
Low-intensity exercise can help you manage RA flares.
Stretching and walking are exercises that are easy on the joints.
If you feel severe pain or fatigue while exercising, listen to your body, stop, and rest.
Find a balance between activity and rest while you manage the flare.
You should avoid pushing yourself during a flare to prevent injury and increased inflammation and pain.
Reduce Stress
Managing stress can reduce the intensity and severity of a flare.
Ways to manage stress and minimize flare pain are yoga, massage, and warm baths.
Consider adding stress management techniques to your everyday routine for the most benefit.
Monitor What You Eat
Some foods can trigger or worsen a flare-up.
Look out for inflammation-producing foods while making healthy choices.
This includes assisting with childcare or housework or just providing a listening ear.
Call Your Healthcare Provider
Symptoms of a mild flare-up often resolve in two or three days.
RA flare-ups can be treated with corticosteroids and other prescription medications to ease pain and inflammation.
Outlook
RA is a lifelong condition without a cure.
Conventional DMARDs include methotrexate, leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine, and sulfasalazine.
Summary
A rheumatoid arthritis flare-up is a short-term worsening of RA symptoms.
Sometimes, it is possible to prevent RA triggers with diet and by avoiding stress and illness.
Flare-ups can be prevented by following your treatment plan and taking medications exactly as prescribed.
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