If you or someone you know is dealing with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you can understand the debilitation this disease causes when it flares up. RA is a disease of ups and downs. One day, your joints feel pretty good. The next, swelling and pain ratchet up and you can barely get out of bed. These symptom episodes — called flares — can be unpredictable and debilitating. Because symptoms differ from person to person, doctors have had trouble agreeing on a standard definition to guide them in treating flares. New RA research hopes to develop tools to help doctors and patients bridge these gaps in understanding.
According to arthritis.org, flares come in two varieties:
Predictable flares have a known trigger. For example, you overdo it at the gym or at work and end up with swollen, stiff joints the next day. With a predictable flare you’ll temporarily feel worse, but your symptoms will resolve in time.
Unpredictable flares have more uncertainty associated with them. These flares cause you to feel worse, but did not have a trigger that was causing symptoms to get worse. These flares might not get better on their own.
When self-care measures like rest and anti-inflammatory medicines aren’t enough, your symptoms could ultimately drive you to see your doctor. Repeated or consistent flares may need a medication adjustment or other change in treatment to help you find relief.
Unfortunately, flares have no consideration for your obligations at home or at work. They can strike any time, so it is equally important to have a plan in place at home. Have a few sick days saved up in case you need to use them. Or see if you can make adjustments to your schedule to work reduced or alternate hours. Make sure family members know which responsibilities to take over so you can have a break.
Here are a few more tips:
Watch the signs. Pay attention to early warning signs, such as a dull ache in your hands or daytime sleepiness that lasts for days. A key part of managing the flare is tackling it as early as possible.
Take some rest. The best thing you can do for your arthritis is to keep moving. However, when you are experiencing a flare, sometimes the best thing you can do for your arthritis is rest and allow your body to recharge. Finding balance between activity and rest is especially important during a flare.
Be kind to yourself. Allowing anxiety and stress to build can worsen inflammation and lead to depression, which is also linked to inflammation. Find outlets for ongoing stress relief and get professional help when your emotions get too overwhelming to manage on your own.
