It is often hard to tell.
A flare can involve a single joint or multiple joints.
If you have osteoarthritis, it’ll likely be single-joint involvement or recurrent flares with the same multiple joints.
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With autoimmune arthritis (e.g.,rheumatoid arthritisorpsoriatic arthritis) multiple joints may flare simultaneously.
Other causes of flares can vary by the arthritis bang out.
Broadly speaking, many osteoarthritis flares are related to conditions or events that directly affect the joint.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common arthritis throw in.
It’s often called “wear and tear” arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune, inflammatory form of arthritis.
In autoimmune disease, your immune system attacks healthy tissues in your body.
The drugs used to treat RA dampen the immune response and increase your infection risk.
Food allergens can trigger flares, as well.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is autoimmune and inflammatory.
It involves joint pain and skin plaques (psoriasis).
PsA flare triggers are more or less the same as those forpsoriasis.
They may include:
How Are Arthritis Flare-Ups Diagnosed?
Sometimes, it’s hard to tell whether you’re having a flare or your disease is progressing.
Treatment of a Flare
You don’t just have to suffer through a flare.
Your healthcare provider can help you with additional treatments to help quiet down your symptoms.
Medications
Treating a flare may require a short course of corticosteroids, such as prednisone or methylprednisone.
These medications are powerful anti-inflammatories.
Heat and Cold
Cold eases inflammation and heat helps muscles relax by improving blood circulation.
you might use heat and cold therapeutically with:
Some people prefer heat over ice or vice versa.
Others alternate them or use different methods at different times.
Experiment and see what works best for you.
Rest
When it comes to rest, think both of your painful joints and your whole body.
Many kinds are available for arthritis pain and they come in creams, gels, roll-ons, and patches.
you’re free to buy many over the counter, and prescription forms are available, as well.
Talk to your healthcare provider about which topical products are right for you.
Emotional Coping
Your mental health is important during flares, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Osteoarthritis flares generally last for just a few days.
Without treatment, a flare of autoimmune arthritis may last for weeks or even months.
Treatment can shorten that considerably.
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