What do I do when I am experiencing an acute episode or flare-up?
During a flare-up or acute episode, you should seek medical attention to review your prescribed medications, and if necessary, obtain a referral to a specialist, physiotherapist or occupational therapist with expertise in managing arthritis.

When should I seek medical attention?

• If diagnosed with arthritis, you should ask your physician when and under what conditions you should seek urgent medical attention. An increase in symptoms such as:
  • New hot, swollen/ inflamed joint
  • Severe joint pain
  • Fever
  • Depression/ prolonged period of feeling “blue"

  are signs that if you have RA, you may need prompt assistance. Your doctor can help to reduce joint inflammation and to review your overall health, including the impact of other medical conditions and the effectiveness of your present treatment plan.

• If your symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis are getting worse, you may also need timely help with pain management, including support and advice to safely manage this acute episode, as well as access to medication and non-medication pain interventions
• You may also need help if you have difficulty managing daily activities. Your physician can refer you to an occupational therapist who can provide you with equipment such as mobility aids and assistive devices or offer advice on changing your work or home environment

What can I do to help myself or to reduce the pain or swelling?

Tips to manage pain:

• Take pain medications as prescribed or advised
• Balance activity with rest
• Learn relaxation techniques to manage the pain and reduce the emotional stress of living with arthritis
• Learn distraction techniques to take your mind off your pain
• Communicate effectively with family, friends and health care professionals to have your needs met, this includes asking for help when necessary
• Apply heat to tense, sore muscles

Tips to manage swelling:

• Apply cold packs to hot or swollen joints
• Use splints to rest the affected joints
• Rest the affected joints

If you need more information on how to Manage a Flare-Up – click here [0]

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Learn more Specific Tips for Managing RA [0]
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