Arthritis flare ups can be extremely painful and disruptive. When arthritis symptoms suddenly get worse, it’s known as a flare or flare up. Flares may come on slowly or quite quickly. They can last for days or even weeks. Here are some common questions about calming arthritis flare ups:
What causes arthritis flares?
Arthritis flares can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
– Overusing the affected joint – This puts extra stress on the joint which can trigger inflammation.
– Weather changes – Cold, damp weather can cause joint stiffness and pain to worsen.
– Infection – Any infection in the body can lead to increased inflammation and arthritis pain.
– Stress and fatigue – These can lower your pain threshold and immune system, allowing inflammation to kick in.
– Medication changes – Altering dosage of medications like steroids or disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs can impact symptoms.
– Injury or trauma – Any type of injury to a joint or nearby area can instigate a flare.
– Food sensitivities – For some people, certain foods like tomatoes, dairy, or wheat can exacerbate arthritis.
– Hormonal changes – Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation or pregnancy may worsen symptoms.
How can I tell if arthritis pain is a flare up?
It can be tricky to distinguish between standard arthritis pain and a true flare up. Here are some signs your arthritis may be flaring:
– Pain that is much more intense than normal
– Joint swelling that comes on suddenly
– Redness and warmth around the joint area
– Stiffness lasting over an hour, especially in the morning
– More limited range of motion than typical
– Extreme fatigue, fever or other flu-like symptoms
– Pain in multiple joints, rather than just one or two
If you experience a significant worsening of arthritis symptoms that impacts function and lasts for several days, it likely signifies a flare up.
What are the best natural remedies to calm a flare up?
There are many natural methods that may help ease your arthritis symptoms during a flare up:
Apply hot and cold therapy
Use an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the inflamed joints for 15 minutes to reduce swelling and pain. Follow with a warm compress, heating pad or warm shower to stimulate blood flow. Repeat as needed.
Try relaxation techniques
Practices like deep breathing, meditation, gentle yoga, tai chi and visualization can help relax tense muscles and distract from pain.
Use topical treatments
Over-the-counter creams with menthol, capsaicin or arnica may provide temporary relief. You can also try massaging with warm essential oils.
Consume anti-inflammatory foods
Berries, tart cherry juice, fatty fish, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, garlic and olive oil have anti-inflammatory effects. Avoid inflammatory foods like processed meat, fried foods, alcohol and refined carbs.
Take herbs and supplements
Turmeric, ginger, boswellia, evening primrose oil, and green tea may help reduce joint inflammation. Talk to your doctor before trying any new herbs or supplements.
Get light exercise
While strenuous activity can exacerbate flare ups, gentle exercise like walking, water aerobics or stretching can ease stiffness and strengthen the joint area.
Get plenty of rest
Allow your body time to heal by prioritizing sleep during a flare up. Keep activities light and listen to your body’s cues.
When should you call your doctor about a flare?
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
– High fever, chills or sweating
– Intense pain that medication does not relieve
– Sudden, severe joint swelling
– Signs of infection like redness, warmth or drainage
– New lump, growth or rash around the joint
– Loss of joint function or inability to bear weight
– General sense of feeling unwell
These may indicate an infection, new injury or other complication requiring prompt evaluation. It’s always a good idea to touch base with your doctor when symptoms are significantly worse to determine if any medication adjustments are needed.
What medications are used to treat arthritis flares?
Doctors may prescribe certain medications to get flares under control quickly. These include:
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil, Motrin and Aleve can ease pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroids
Steroid medications like prednisone work to reduce swelling and are often prescribed in a short burst during bad flares.
DMARDs
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs like methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine and sulfasalazine can be adjusted by your rheumatologist to gain better long-term control if flares persist.
Biologics
Medications that target specific parts of the immune system may be prescribed for severe, ongoing flares if other treatments fail. Examples are etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab and others.
Pain relievers
Prescription painkillers, muscle relaxers or even joint injections of steroids may provide relief if over-the-counter options are inadequate. Be sure to discuss the risks.
Keep your doctor informed about your flare status so adjustments can be made to get symptoms back under control. Never abruptly stop prescribed medications unless directed.
What self-care tips can prevent future flares?
While flares can be unpredictable, the following self-care strategies may help reduce their frequency and severity:
Pace yourself
Try not to overdo activities. Take breaks as needed. Use assistive devices to avoid overusing sore joints.
Watch your posture
Practice good posture to avoid unnecessary strain on joints. Ask your physical therapist for advice.
Exercise wisely
Do moderate exercise to improve strength and flexibility, but avoid exercises that aggravate inflamed joints.
Eat a healthy diet
Aim for a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods. Maintain a healthy weight to limit pressure on joints.
Reduce stress
Adopt relaxation practices like yoga, deep breathing and meditation to lower stress hormones that can impact flares.
Listen to your body
Rest and avoid activity when fatigued. Don’t push through joint pain.
Manage medication
Take prescribed arthritis medications regularly to prevent complications. Communicate with your doctor about how well they are working.
Apply cold/heat therapy
Use cold and hot compresses as needed to alleviate joint pain and stiffness.
Wear splints or braces
These can support and align joints, easing associated pain.
Make lifestyle adjustments
For example, plan activities during times when arthritis symptoms tend to be mildest.
When should you consider surgery for arthritis flares?
Most flares can be managed with medication, therapy and lifestyle changes. But severe, frequent flares may lead a doctor to recommend surgery. Reasons to consider surgery include:
– Regular flares impacting quality of life
– Persistent pain not controlled by other treatments
– Significant loss of joint function and mobility
– Continued damage seen on imaging tests
– Looming threat of deformity or disability
Surgeries to consider during bad flares include:
Synovectomy
Removal of inflamed synovial membrane around the joint
Joint fusion
Fusing two bones together to eliminate painful motion between them
Joint replacement
Total replacement of the damaged joint with artificial components
Talk to an orthopedic surgeon or rheumatologist about whether surgery may be appropriate to gain control of stubborn flares once and for all.
What lifestyle changes can help prevent and calm arthritis flares?
Making certain lifestyle adjustments may help reduce flare ups:
– Apply ice or heat packs to affected joints as needed to ease inflammation and pain
– Get regular exercise that doesn’t worsen symptoms to improve joint flexibility and strength
– Maintain a healthy diet and weight to avoid extra pressure on joints
– Reduce stress through yoga, meditation, massage or other relaxation techniques
– Quit smoking, as this increases inflammation
– Avoid repetitive motions that can irritate sore joints
– Wear proper footwear with cushioning and arch support
– Use joint protection techniques like bracing, taping, mobility aids and switching positions
– Set up your workstation ergonomically to prevent strain
– Get enough rest between activities to avoid fatigue
– Schedule a massage, stretching or water therapy during flares to encourage motion
– Communicate with your doctor regarding flare frequency, triggers and response to treatment
– Consider cognitive behavioral therapy or support groups to develop coping skills
What exercises are best to calm arthritis flare ups?
The right exercises can help ease stiffness and pain during flares, while the wrong ones may worsen symptoms. Some beneficial options include:
Exercise | Benefits |
---|---|
Walking | Gentle aerobic activity to provide pain relief |
Water aerobics | Takes pressure off joints while moving them |
Stretching | Increases flexibility and range of motion |
Strength training | Strengthens muscles around joints for added support |
Yoga | Combines gentle stretching, strengthening and breathing |
Tai Chi | Relaxes the body and focuses the mind |
Cycling | Provides aerobic activity with little joint impact |
Swimming | Allows movement with no weight on joints |
Start these exercises slowly and avoid overexerting inflamed joints. Tai chi, yoga and stretching are especially good during flares since they are low impact. Perform only motions that feel comfortable. Check with a physical therapist or doctor if unsure which activities are appropriate during a flare up.
What are some anti-inflammatory foods to eat during a flare up?
A diet high in anti-inflammatory foods may help calm flare ups. Some examples include:
Food | Properties |
---|---|
Tomatoes | Contain lycopene which reduces inflammation |
Broccoli | Rich in sulforaphane, an antioxidant that battles inflammation |
Salmon | Provides omega-3 fatty acids that reduce levels of inflammatory chemicals |
Walnuts | Packed with anti-inflammatory omega-3s, magnesium and phytochemicals |
Berries | Flavonoids like anthocyanins in berries fight inflammation |
Leafy Greens | Vegetables like kale, spinach and collards contain Vitamin E to manage inflammation |
Beets | Contain compounds called betalains that exhibit anti-inflammatory effects |
In addition, avoiding pro-inflammatory foods during flares can be beneficial. These include refined carbohydrates, fried foods, processed meat, alcohol and foods you may be sensitive to.
What are some anti-inflammatory supplements to try?
Some over-the-counter supplements may aid in calming arthritis inflammation, including:
Supplement | Benefits |
---|---|
Turmeric/Curcumin | Potent anti-inflammatory properties that may rival some NSAIDs |
Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Help counter inflammatory chemicals in the body |
Ginger | Contains compounds like gingerol that inhibit inflammatory enzymes |
Magnesium | An essential mineral that can lower inflammation |
Boswellia | Herb that may reduce joint swelling and pain |
Bromelain | Anti-inflammatory enzyme found naturally in pineapples |
Always check with a doctor before starting supplements, especially if you take other medications or have existing health conditions. Start with low doses and individual ingredients before combining several. Stop immediately if side effects develop.
When should you go to the emergency room for a severe flare?
Most arthritis flares can be managed with self-care and by consulting your doctor. However, seek emergency care if you experience:
– Sudden, extreme joint pain, swelling or inability to move the limb
– Signs of a joint infection like fever, redness, or warm skin
– Numbness, tingling or loss of function in any body part
– Unexplained weight loss, fatigue or weakness
– Severe unremitting pain even after taking pain-relieving medication
– Skin rashes, hives or difficulty breathing after taking new medication
– Any symptom you feel may indicate a medical emergency
These could signify a joint infection, medication reaction, or other medical issue requiring urgent evaluation and treatment. Do not wait with concerning new symptoms during an arthritis flare, as complications can arise quickly. Call an ambulance or have someone drive you to the ER to receive rapid care if needed.
Conclusion
Arthritis flares can be extremely disruptive and painful. However, there are many effective remedies and lifestyle changes that can help calm your symptoms. Apply cold or warm compresses, try gentle stretches, eat anti-inflammatory foods, take helpful supplements, and avoid activities that aggravate joints. Work closely with your healthcare providers to adjust medications and treat any complications. While flares can be frustrating, being proactive with self-care and treatment can help you regain control.