04-02-2023, 06:12 PM
A rheumatoid arthritis (RA) flare-up is a sudden increase in symptoms, such as joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, in someone with RA. Flare-ups can occur suddenly and last for a few days to several weeks. They can be unpredictable and can vary in severity and frequency from person to person.
The causes of RA flare-ups are not well understood, but several factors have been linked to them, including:
During a flare-up, it's important to rest the affected joints and take steps to manage pain and swelling, such as applying heat or cold, taking pain medication, and practicing stress-management techniques.
The causes of RA flare-ups are not well understood, but several factors have been linked to them, including:
- Stress: Stress has been linked to an increase in RA symptoms, and can trigger a flare-up.
- Infection: An infection, such as a cold or the flu, can cause a flare-up in some people with RA.
- Changes in weather: Changes in temperature and humidity can cause joints to stiffen and become more painful, leading to a flare-up.
- Overuse of joints: Overuse of joints, such as through excessive physical activity or repetitive movements, can trigger a flare-up.
- Medication changes: Changes in medications, such as starting or stopping a new medication, can cause a flare-up in some people with RA.
During a flare-up, it's important to rest the affected joints and take steps to manage pain and swelling, such as applying heat or cold, taking pain medication, and practicing stress-management techniques.