Q: When reading articles about arthritis, I often come across the word "flare." What is the definition of flare?
A: The definition of “flare” is a worsening of the disease process. If you have arthritis, you've probably experienced a flare at one time or another – your disease seems to be well under control for a while, then suddenly your joints become inflamed and painful. You may experience general malaise and fatigue.
The cause of a flare varies depending on the specific disease in question. In rheumatoid arthritis, for example, a flare can be related to natural (but poorly understood) fluctuations in the immunological processes that drive inflammation. In osteoarthritis, flares may be induced by local trauma to the joint.
John A. Hardin, MD, Rheumatologist
have found out why so tired and deppressed all time pain have lived with it for last 7 years since bike accident am allergic to antiinflamatories so got used to pain as panadol /codine dont work
question is far infra red sauna any good
or does it only feel better
I am also suffering with RA and my dr is treating me more agressively. Voltaren/ Diclofenac did not work for me, neither did many of the pain relievers I tried. What has been working is remicade, a biologic drug. I would suggest you find another rheumatologist, perhaps one associated with a teaching hospital as they are more familar with the newer therapies. Good Luck. - Norma
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