Let’s face it; if you have rheumatoid arthritis, you have good days and bad days. These bad days are considered flare-ups. A flare up is a temporary return of symptoms after you’ve been in remission for a specific time frame. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may vary and may include inflammation, redness, stiffness, joint swelling, skin rashes, flu-like symptoms and/or fatigue. There is also a lack of function such as participating in daily activities, emotional distress, self-management and/or the ability of sleep.

What causes a flare up?

From my own experience, food allergy triggers, stress and/or doing too much activity. It depends on the person but these are the most common triggers for flares.  

Getting sick can also cause a flare up. Your immune system is already weak due to having rheumatoid arthritis. You are more likely to catch an infection such as the flu, bronchitis or pneumonia. Lack of exercise can also trigger a flare. Maintaining a healthy weight while keeping your joints lubricated and improving mobility can help avoid a flare. Lack of vitamin D can also cause a trigger by increasing your chances of catching the flu, joint swelling and muscle pain.  Taking in sunlight for about 30 minutes a week can help increase your vitamin D. Weather is also another trigger to a flare up. Cold, damp or humid, hot weather can cause more pain. The change of drastic temperatures within 10 degrees difference can also be a flare up factor.

What can you do to ease your flare up?

First thing first, rest. Your body flaring up is a way of communicating to you that you need to slow down and rest. Plan ahead of time all of your daily activities that you may need to do and pace yourself. You may some help with your activities or may need to switch some things around to accommodate your flares. Take some time to exercise to help improve your mobility if your joints allow it. Exercise will also improve your sleep and decrease your stress levels.  Protect your joints. Seek a physical therapist that can help your aching joints. Don’t suffer in silence. Tell your family and friends that you are in the midst of a flare up so that they understand that it’s time to rest and recuperate. Your health always comes first.