Although rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease, you can have acute episodes of pain and inflammation, known as flares. An arthritis flare may occur after an infection, or after a highly stressful situation. Often, however, what triggers a flare is not clear. You may have long periods when your RA is quiet, or in remission. Then, suddenly, the inflammation becomes more active and you have a rheumatoid arthritis flare. Remember that you have a range of weapons in your arsenal to address pain.
Discuss a plan of action with your doctor. One approach would be to adjust your medications temporarily while the disease is unusually active. This will not only relieve some of the pain associated with an arthritis flare, but also help minimize any damage that may occur from unchecked inflammation.
Be aware that your medications may not control the flare right away, even if your dosages are increased. Or they may only have a limited effect on your flare. Of course you and your doctors should be in agreement about possible increases in your medications, or even additions of new medications during a rheumatoid arthritis flare. Many doctors will suggest a plan that you can use at each flare’s onset without having to seek his or her permission each time.
The following is a list of some other steps that you may want to incorporate in your plan. Remember, some techniques work better for some people than others. Try a few of these, and if they don’t work for you, discard them and try others.
• Balance periods of activity with periods of rest. Although more rest can help during an arthritis flare, you probably do not need to abandon your regular activities, work or exercise program. A doctor or physical therapist can help you modify your program when you experience a flare. Spending long periods in bed is counterproductive, usually prolonging your pain. Instead, try to intersperse periods of rest with some light activity. Finally, to keep joints from becoming stiff, move them through the fullest range of motion possible, gradually increasing your range as the flare subsides.
• Have a plan to deal with your obligations. Have a contingency plan both for work and family obligations. At work, try to arrange for coverage, work fewer hours per week or bring work home. Discuss your plan with supervisors and co-workers ahead of time, and assure them of your commitment. At home, plan to apportion a few extra jobs among family members, and make sure everyone knows what they are expected to do to keep things running smoothly.
Coping with an Arthritis Flare
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Jen
03 Aug 2010, 20:09
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| I have been experiencing pain now for three years, mostly in my back and left knee. I always thought it was from an old back injury. Recently, my hands, and left knee started throbbing, the left side of my neck is stiff, and I am so exhausted. Had blood tests that came back as 60 for RF but a normal ESR. Is this Rheumatoid Arthritis? The wait to see a doctor is at least 3 months. Can anyone offer me some insight? |
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Lisa Jolley
30 Jul 2010, 17:14
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| I have just been diagnosed, surely it is best to just keep on going realising your own limitations or even your own possibilities . Always remember to focus on the positives whilst acknowledging what may need further understanding. |
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Dee
06 Jul 2010, 11:36
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| I everyone. First of all I want to encourage you to continue to live to the
best of your ability. I was diagnosed with RA one year ago after over four
years of pain and misdiagnosis. I was also told that my problem was
depression and "all in my mind." Even now with the weight gain, flares and
daily pain and fatigue, some people I know really don't understand what I
am going through. I am attempting to deal better with stress but financial
pressures and unhappiness at my job have not made things much better. I am
on methotrexate and Enbrel injections. I can't take any NSAIDS because I
had a bad stomach bleed a year ago and had to be given five units of blood.
I am doing yoga again and plan to take a water aerobics class soon. I am
encouraged by the positive outlook that so many of you have and will work
to be more positive myself. Be strong and keep the good advice
coming(gluten free diets, stress reduction and gentle exercise). |
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Beverly
29 Jun 2010, 14:59
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| I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis 10 years ago. In recent years it
only flared in one toe or a finger. This time it flared in my right knee
and right foot. I've had two cortizone shots in two weeks and was told
that I would have to suffer through the flare. I've been cycling on a
stationary bike for 20 minutes (splitting up to 2 10 minute intervals) each
day and swimming at least twice per week. The swelling has went down
considerably in my knee (thanks to ice packs and ibuprofen). However, the
stiffness and ache are always there. Is it okay to cycle everyday when I
am experiencing a flare or is it too much? |
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paula
20 Jun 2010, 18:00
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| I first had rheumatoid symptoms when diagnosed with Ross River Fever in 2006 which passed within the year. Then in 2009 I contracted Barhmah Forest Fever, another mosquito born disease, which also has arthritic symtoms. So I was in the belief it would pass like the Ross River. But it still hasn't and so i've had it pass through hands, feet, wrists, jaw and knees now. I do meet people who have obviously suffered with RA and have it under control through fishoil and panadol if necessary. Gee, am looking forward to that. Thankyou for this blog. Its caused some welling up of tears and some things to try, like TaiChi, Wheatfree and dairyfree diet. Will try to try that. Sometimes I fantasise about a lovely death pill for the future. |
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Maria
07 Jun 2010, 20:15
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| I'm suffering from RA for ten years now. I am with a good RA doctor. Since I was diagnosed until now, my doctor considers me as his most hard-to-treat patient. I have tried all medications even knee replacement surgery (R knee). My condition continues to progress and undesirable side effects of the medication I've taken have taken its toll. I'm again a candidate for another knee replacement, this time on my left. RA has completely changed my life. But despite of everything, I'm still hopeful that there will be a promising drug in the days to come to help RA patients. |
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The Editors
02 Jun 2010, 12:30
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| Hello Vasanth, Talk to your mother's doctor, explore all the options he or she has to offer her, and if needed, seek second and third opinions. The Editors Arthritis Today magazine, an Arthritis Foundation publication |
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vasanth
01 Jun 2010, 22:42
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| my mom was diagnosed with RA 10 years before. she is 50 years old now. knee xray showed joint destruction in knee. and now she is suffering from flare. so she is bed rest most of the time. am afraid her left leg is going for muscle wasting. she can only stand now for few minutes. she was walking before this episode of flare. i really want to see my mom walk again. is knee replacement surgery a solution for her? people say its too early for surgery. so am not sure what to do. how stop her muscle wasting? |
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Beth
23 May 2010, 10:30
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| I read your comments and my heart cries. RA has changed my life into two categories: before RA and after RA. Before I was a healthy, happy, adventerous 40 something woman who worked as an infusion RN in a cutting edge oncology hospital and loved it. I also loved working out, staying up with or ahead of my growing children, taking care of my aging mother, and being in love with my husband. RA hit me like a sledehammer driving to work one day after the death of my mother. Both arms, legs and feet felt like a million burning coals and sharp knives covered in lead. I wasn't even sure I could make it home. MY GP started me on prednisone, then methotrexate then sent me to my rheumatologist. Despite going through the list that has meant "MIRACLE" to so many all I experienced was side effect after side effect and a narcotic habit that took me weeks to kick. This morning, after having my gallbladder removed 5 days ago, my feet and knee and low back hurt so bad I didn't even want to get out of bed. Savella has helped with the overall profound fatigue which was diagnosed as Fibromyalgia. I have lasting side effects from Enbrel, Humira, Methotrexate, and Remicade including seizures, pulmonary nodules (benign) leading to shortness of breath, a 60 pound weight gain, skin changes that make me look like a red leopard. My doc plans on trying Orencia and I guess I will try. I do believe in healthy diet (gluten free would be ideeal) but where I live that is VERY difficult to be compliant with. What keeps me going? LOVE. The love of my grandson when he puts his little arms around my neck and says, "I love you, Meme." My sons are grown and happily pursuing their own success (remember how invincible we were in our twenties?). The love of my husband who has health issues of his own yet puts up with my shortness on bad days. And of course, I don't know how people live without the love of God. Whithout Him, I would be nothing. I just want to be healthy. It would be great to hear from some men with this disease and how they cope. |
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jacqueline lofaro
21 May 2010, 13:27
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| As a child, I had Rheumatic Fever and have a faulty valve as a result. For several years my Dr would said after comprehensive blood work: "Your body is trying to get rheumatoid arthritis." Two years ago the RA won and I was officially diagnosed. My hands and feet throb with pain. Now, my knees hurt and I often feel deeply fatigued. From time to time it feels as if I hurt all over and at times the pain is quite intense. My symptoms are worsening rapidly. I have no choice but to carry on with my life and work. Like so many these days: I need the job. |
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Lisa
18 Mar 2010, 08:24
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| I hate reading all u guys stories about pain and doctors who don't seem to care really sucks. I was diagnosed with RA 2 yrs ago and luckily I found a great dr so I guess I'm lucky in that sense. But my ex- husband says I'm lying and just lazy. Really hard when people think your exagerating or whatever. I know you guys pain even though some people don't believe. Keep your heads up because stress is bad for this problem. You all are in my prayers. God bless. Lisa |
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Vicki Smithies
16 Mar 2010, 13:35
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| Read this website or Google Cetyl Myristoleate. http://www.jaredstory.com/cetyl.html It may be the answer. |
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Michael
27 Feb 2010, 16:34
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| I had knee replacement around 19 months ago. I am doing good with it its gust my feet, fingers and ankles.Its a never ending flares and heating pad helps a lot. I use a knee brace for over a year before surgery. |
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The Editors
22 Feb 2010, 10:57
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| Answers to exercise questions: Many of you have asked, "What's the best exercise for arthritis?" The Arthritis Foundation offers several gentle yet effective exercise programs through its Life Improvement Series, including the Exercise Program, Aquatic Program, Walk With Ease Program and Tai Chi Program. These programs have been studied by research experts - some in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – and have been proven to reduce arthritis symptoms and increase mobility. To find a program near you, contact your local Arthritis Foundation Chapter by visiting www.arthritis.org/chaptermap.php. Or to simply learn more about the programs visit www.arthritis.org/programs.php. If the classes are full in your area, volunteer to be a program instructor to start a new class for you and others with arthritis to participate. But please remember always to consult your doctor, physical therapist and other members of your health-care team before starting any exercise routine. All the best, The Editors Arthritis Today |
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Suzanne
21 Feb 2010, 09:29
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| I was finally "officially" diagnosed with RA last week. Finally explains all the pain I have been experiencing for the past couple of years. Hits my hands the most, lower back, knees, elbows (which isn't good for my tennis game!), and neck. My doctor and personal trainer both said the same thing - KEEP EXERCISING!!! I'm also revamping my diet to decrease the amount of wheat and dairy products. Thank you for all being there - it's nice to know that this pain wasn't all in my imagination. |
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cat
14 Feb 2010, 07:16
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| To all you RA friends out there, my only advise would be to watch your livers as you medicate your symptoms. Toxic Hep landed me in the hospital after a flare. I was taking Aleve, methotrexate, prednisone, plaquanil, Arava and my liver said enough. It took me three months to get back on my feet! |
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Andre
05 Feb 2010, 09:03
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| I have been coping with RA for over 7 years. Recently I came to the
conclusion that my symptoms totally depend on what I eat. There is a great
book by Barbara Allen "Conquering Arthritis". She describes how to control
your diet and how to fast. I have tried this and it really works miracles.
Try this: go on a juice fasting for 7 days (described in the book) and
watch closely your symptoms. Then decide for yourself. Here's the link to the book on Google Books: http://books.google.ca/books?id=WD-7XdPLuqsC&printsec=frontcover&dq=conquer ing+Arthritis&source=bl&ots=J8KNvSrd7n&sig=t4bqVS4XhefZOqxoL1rygKsatMA&hl=e n&ei=XzJsS5qCFIzCNaTYhdYE&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBAQ6 AEwAA#v=onepage&q=&f=false |
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Beck
05 Jan 2010, 21:59
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| Hi Lisa, I have been on Remicade for the past 2.5 years and its been a lifesaver for me. I was diagnosed Summer 2006. Prednisone for months, 7 Methotrexade tabs weekly, I lost so much hair. The drugs helped quite a bit, but I was still so tired and my brain was so fuzzy...I didn't sleep the night through for months. Remicade has made all the difference for me. I read that it could shorten my life, but truly, RA already ended my life as I knew it. I wish you the best. I think I'm starting a flare up. I'm experiencing tiredness, unwellness. Just trying to decide if I should start the Prednisone now, or give it a 'few more days' to see if it settles down. |
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Lisa
19 Dec 2009, 20:16
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| I've noticed lately that my muscles seem to hurt a lot. I used to be pretty strong but take it easy now. I don't know if the weakness and muscle pain is due to the RA of if I'm just out of shape from taking it too easy. I do still work 8-10 hours most days as an elementary teacher so I'm not totally inactive. I'm only on Plaquinl for the RA. The Dr. wants me to go on biologics but I hear they will work for a while then stop. Any comments on either of these? Thanks |
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brenda
19 Nov 2009, 23:41
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| I was diagnosed in 2002, I have had many drug reactions and am now only on plaquinal and morphine for pain. Somedays it is full of pain and tiredness but I take my pain pills and carry on . I rest when my body says it is time and I enjoy the good times when I have them. Thank God I am now on a disability pension from the Goverment and a top up from my work. There is also aDisability tax credit but have not got it yet. I got a puppy and now I have to walk him everyday and it keeps me going. I enjoy my time with my grandchildren and take life one day at a time. Thanks for the opportunity to vent.Brenda |
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Margaret
13 Nov 2009, 22:00
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| I was diagnosed with RA in May this year. It first hit my hands and wrists, unbelieveable pain. I went to a RA dr who would only treat me with scary big meds that I'm not willing to use right now. I want to try to use lesser hurtful things for the present. So I switched drs to a female rheumatologist whom I absolutely love. I've been also diagnosed with RA of the lungs (never heard of that) and am also seeing a lung specialist. I'm currently taking Cellcept, after taking two other meds that made me feel horrible and led to high liver numbers. I am beginning a physical therapy session this coming week to strengthen my joints so they won't be so susecptible to the RA taking out my joints. My first line of strength, though, is the power of God working in my life and the prayers so many have lifted up for me,. |
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dina clerkin
30 Oct 2009, 20:17
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| I have been reading everyones stories and Im just sick about it. The pain people indure in their lives. I two was just diagnosed in July but have been suffering for years with it until it finally showed up in my blood tests. I had doctors tell me its depression. I am now with a great rheumatologist but the meds leave a lot to be desired. I have horrible pain in me knees and feet. I can't imagine going through life like this Im tring to work and the pain consumes me. I have a great husband who tries to help but what can he do? Its a battle we face alone and I cry all the time I try to be upbeat but the pain just brings you right back down, Im thing about the biomeds, but their side effects could shorten my life, i think i would rather have a few good years being pain free than many years in this kind of pain. Thank you all for sharing your stories, I don't feel so alone with this dreaded disease. |
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Vicki
29 Oct 2009, 11:20
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| Put your aching feet in a foot spa of cold tap water and gradually add ice blocks. The relief when you eventually have had enough and dry your feet off is wonderful. |
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Pam
15 Sep 2009, 22:27
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| for Carla .....I too am experiencing the same flare with my feet . Very hard to walk at times. I have just moved to another state and am trying to establish a new rheumatologist. I have been told that the new one is reviewing my files and this has been since the first week in July . I am still waiting . Arthritis in the feet is a real pain . Let me know what helps and what doesn't . |
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Mars
20 Aug 2009, 14:20
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| I was diagnosed with RA almost 20 years ago. After a few years of trying
different anti-inflammatory drugs with a variety of side-effects, I decided
to look at alternative methods: acupuncture, herbal remedies, massage,
nutritional therapy, and also looked at what in my lifestyle made me
perceive my life to be stressful. After about a full year of really working
at finding what put my body in dis-ease (food allergies, relationship
problems, working at a job I hated), and making some lifestyle changes, my
RA went into remission for almost 13 years. But then I fell back into a cycle of stress--job related--followed by financial hardships with being laid off without medical insurance and I started experiencing flares again, this time lasting for over 4 years now. I am someone who hates drugs. So even if I had medical insurance, I would not opt for that. Luckily, I happened upon a Behavioral Study being done by UCLA, which looked into meditation and changing how we planned our days. Did you know that the majority of arthritis sufferers are women? And something we have in common is that we try to control everything? I've always been someone who is extremely active, to a fault. Burning the proverbial candle at both ends and in the middle. Gotta take time for rest and relaxation folks. I have found that it is a combination of balancing Body-Mind-Spirit that helps me the most. I created a performance piece about my journey, which had a successful run in Los Angeles and am now taking it up to San Francisco in October. It's called HEALING MARS. It's a multi-media odyssey, blended with human drama and spiced with dance and tongue-in-cheek comic bits, underscored by my battle with RA. Through emotional movement, soundscapes of music, voices and nature (live and recorded), provocative images and light-hearted interactions with both audience and video entities, it soundly engages each spectator with thoughtful entertainment and provides an opportunity for each to discover the healing power of his/her own voice. With this piece, I hope to encourage others to really take the time to discover what is at the base of their body's disease and finding out how to release. I also work with Seniors in leading them through exercises to help keep them mobile. This also helps me to keep my body moving as well. I've created a website about my journey and my performance piece at www.healingmars.com Best of luck to all in coping with Arthritis. |
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Bobbie Knaus
11 Aug 2009, 18:44
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| I was just diagnosed today with RA, I see the specialist in two weeks after seeing 6 docs... what a roller coaster. Do any of you notice a trigger???? What about work I am clerical and its in my hand to my shoulders....does anyone else have this? thanks in advance.- bobbie |
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Erin Wallace
04 Aug 2009, 21:06
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| I've had juvenile RA now for about 12 years with little problems but now that I don't have health insurance my RA is at its worst. I have flare ups every morning and it take a good hour to clam down. I am on my feet at work for 10 hours a day and trying to become a police officer. I want to get this under control so I can achieve my goals in life. Any suggestions on what I can do on my own without having to see a doctor? |
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Ruth
09 Jul 2009, 15:51
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| I usually end up using heat, under normal conditions cold hurts! I always
feel my best when I can keep up some kind of stretching routine, but can't
even imagine doing squats. To Jan whose doc told her to suck it up, get a
new doc if you can! What a jerk! Rest is important for me too, but sometimes i have to really push myself not to rest too much. |
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therese Biehler
07 Jul 2009, 09:37
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| When I get home after a grueling day at work I pack my painful joints using ice packs, every 20 minutes I take them off. Sometimes I sleep with them on. The next day I notice the joints are much better. I use heat on joints when I can't associate any cause. Again I use the heat for 20 minutes intervals. A flare up when nothing works usually calls for a seven day dose of Prednesone. I've had Ra for 25 years, good luck to you! |
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Michelle
28 May 2009, 09:35
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| To Jan, You can exercise with low impact and without using your feet if you swim. The Y usually has aerobics for the people with arthritis in the pool which offers resistance and low impact for your joints. I can't afford the Y, so I use the local lake or my friends pool when I can. |
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Carla
27 May 2009, 20:47
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| I am experiencing my first flare in over 10 years but it is significant! Both ankles/feet swollen HUGE (thank God it's summer so open shoes are an option). My GP gave me prednisone but said with the advances in RA he wants me in with a Rheumatologist. He sent my labs/files to this office 2 weeks ago and still not accepted as a patient!!! I get relief from ice and 800mg ibuprofren every 6 hours. |
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Jan
23 May 2009, 10:17
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| Both of these comments (Carolyn and Stepanie) sound like my past week. My left knee was killing me and my doctor told me to 'suck it up' until I can see him next week. He will then adjust or change my meds. Then my right knee went out because i'd been favoring the left. Now I'm wearing a brace on each leg and i'm tired of sucking it up. I think I started the problem by doing modified squats at my aerobics class, and I do mean modified. if exercise (I've been going to this class for a year) gives me this, then do I want to continue with the class? I don't think there is any good form of exercise. Walking is out of the question right now. My biggest problems are my knees and feet, although my right hand is also stiffening up. |
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carolyn
22 May 2009, 08:06
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| Hmm, suck it up and rest |
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Stephanie Romines
01 Apr 2009, 19:36
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| My flares can be quite painful. When no access to calling the doc for help what them? I can't just take off of work either. I would get fired and I need my job. Heating pad or ice? It's my knee right now. |
