Are You Experiencing a Flare-up?

What is an acute episode or flare-up?
A flare-up or acute episode occurs when you have swollen and painful joints that won’t settle down and/ or increased pain. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you should be aware of the potential for changes in your health, be able to recognize these, and know when to seek prompt advice from a health professional. Repeated or regular flare-ups are often a sign that your arthritis is not being well controlled with the medications you are taking. Continuing joint inflammation will lead to permanent joint damage. A flare-up can also be triggered by the weather, emotional stress, foods you may eat, or when doing some activities or too much of other activities. Learning your own personal triggers and how to avoid them may help you to reduce flare-ups.

Note that women with RA should be aware that a disease recurrence or a flare-up is likely within a few weeks to six to eight months after giving birth or discontinuing breast feeding. Therefore, you should plan for a return of your disease status by visiting your rheumatologist after the birth of a child.

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What do I do when I am experiencing an acute episode or flare-up?

Strategies to Control the Symptoms of the Disease