THE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS FLARE UP

The symptoms of RA can vary from day to day.  Some days may be great, and others may be difficult.  Every once in a while, there may be a sudden, dramatic increase in joint pain, swelling, and inflammation.  You could be having a flare-up, where the disease temporarily goes into overdrive.   Flare-ups can develop randomly out of nowhere, or may be triggered by stress, overexertion, illness, etc.  A flare-up may last a few days or could linger for weeks.

A flare-up will can produce a severe loss of function that can last days or weeks.  Your doctor may find increased swelling in the joints, and blood tests may show evidence of rises in inflammation in your body.   During a flare-up, any joints can be affected, and hands are frequently involved.

There are different interpretations of the exact definition of a flare-up.  Your doctor may think you are just having a bad day or week.  Keep a daily or weekly journal of your RA symptoms to help you doctor confirm what is really going on. 

To treat your flare-up, you will need to take it easy to give your joints a chance to calm down. Your symptoms may settle down in a couple of days, otherwise your doctor may need to temporarily put you on anti-inflammatory medications to get your RA back under control. If you continue to have symptoms, it is possible that your RA has generally become worse, and you may need changes or adjustments in your maintenance (everyday) RA medications.

Regardless of whether you are having a bad day, a flare-up, or a general increase in the activity of your RA, always remember your home remedies.  Rest, healthy diet, and stress avoidance could help you get better faster with less medications.   Keep in contact with your doctor to fine-tune your treatment as much as possible.