One day, you’re moving through your routine with little pain, and the next, your joints feel like they’re on fire. That’s the reality of rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups; they’re unpredictable, exhausting, and sometimes overwhelming. For many patients, one of the hardest parts of RA is not knowing what causes these ups and downs or how long they’ll last.
The good news is that there are ways to identify common triggers, manage symptoms in the short term, and build strategies for long-term relief. As New Jersey’s top rheumatologists, our team at ARBDA is here to help you feel more in control and confident in your treatment plan.
What Is a Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Flare-Up?
An RA flare-up is a period when disease activity increases, often leading to worsened joint pain, swelling, fatigue, and reduced mobility. These flares can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the individual and the severity of their condition. While RA itself is a chronic autoimmune disease, flare-ups are more like acute spikes of inflammation that intensify symptoms beyond a patient’s usual baseline.1,2
During a flare, the immune system goes into overdrive, attacking healthy tissues in the joints. This overactivity leads to swelling, warmth, and stiffness, most often in the hands, wrists, knees, and ankles. Unlike osteoarthritis, which results from degenerative “wear-and-tear,” RA flare-ups are driven by an underlying immune response, which makes them unpredictable and sometimes severe.1
Common Triggers of RA Flare-Ups
Not every flare has a clear cause, but many patients and doctors notice patterns. Triggers can vary from person to person, and sometimes multiple factors overlap. Here are the most common culprits:
- Infections: Viral or bacterial infections, such as the flu or urinary tract infections, can trigger the immune system to ramp up, which may worsen RA symptoms.1,3
- Skipping Medication: Missing doses of RA medication or making changes without a doctor’s guidance can result in flare-ups, as the immune system becomes less controlled.1,3,4
- Weather Changes: Shifts in temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure can affect joint pain and stiffness. While not every patient is sensitive, some find that colder or damp weather worsens symptoms.3
- Overexertion: Too much physical activity, especially repetitive movements or heavy lifting, can stress joints and lead to a flare. Patients often need to balance staying active with not overdoing it.1,3
- Poor Sleep: Quality sleep is critical for managing inflammation and healing. Lack of rest or irregular sleep patterns can increase fatigue and make flare symptoms worse.1,5
- Stress: Emotional and physical stress can alter immune system function, leading to increased inflammation. Many patients notice flares following particularly stressful life events or periods of high anxiety.1,3
- Dietary Factors: While research is ongoing, some patients report flares after eating processed foods and excess sugar or drinking coffee.3,6 Diets rich in anti-inflammatory foods, like omega-3 fatty acids and leafy greens, may help reduce the risk.6
- Hormonal Changes: Some women notice flares related to hormonal shifts during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.3
- Smoking: Smoking is not only a risk factor for developing RA but also a known trigger for worsening disease activity.3
Short-Term Relief Strategies During a Flare
When a flare strikes, the priority is to reduce pain and regain mobility. Short-term relief usually involves a combination of rest, medication adjustments, and self-care techniques.
Over-the-counter options like NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can help with pain and swelling, while prescribed corticosteroids may be recommended for more severe flares. Heat and cold therapy can also provide immediate relief, as warm compresses help loosen stiff joints, while cold packs reduce swelling and inflammation. Patients often benefit from alternating between the two depending on symptoms.
Lifestyle strategies can also make a difference during a flare. Prioritizing rest, pacing daily activities, and asking for help with physically demanding tasks can prevent symptoms from worsening. Gentle stretches, meditation, or deep breathing exercises may also calm both the body and mind, reducing the impact of stress.
Long-Term Relief & Prevention
While short-term relief focuses on easing discomfort during a flare, long-term strategies aim to reduce how often flares occur and how severe they become. One of the most effective tools is sticking to a consistent medication plan.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and rheumatoid arthritis biologics are designed to reduce inflammation and prevent joint damage, but they work best when taken regularly and as prescribed. Skipping doses or stopping medications without guidance can quickly undo progress and lead to frequent flares.1
Lifestyle choices are equally important for long-term relief. Maintaining a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet, getting regular low-impact exercise like swimming or walking, and prioritizing restorative sleep all support the immune system and joint health. Stress management techniques, such as yoga, mindfulness, or counseling, can also play a critical role in preventing flares.
With a combination of medical care and daily healthy habits, many patients find that their flares become less frequent and more manageable.
When to Contact Your Doctor
Mild flares may be handled at home with rest, medications, and self-care. However, if symptoms are severe, last longer than usual, or interfere with daily life, it’s important to contact a rheumatologist.
Prolonged flares can signal that the disease is not well-controlled and may require a change in medication or treatment strategy. Always reach out if you notice new symptoms, such as unexplained fever, significant swelling, or sudden loss of mobility.
Get in Touch with New Jersey’s Trusted Rheumatology Experts for RA Relief
If you think you’re experiencing frequent or worsening flare-ups, the first step is to discuss your symptoms with your primary care doctor. They can help determine if a referral to a rheumatologist is appropriate. If they agree it’s a good idea, you’ll want the very best care, and that’s where the team at ARBDA comes in.
For over 40 years, ARBDA has helped patients throughout New Jersey manage the challenges of rheumatoid arthritis. Our specialists take the time to understand your unique health journey and develop a treatment plan tailored to you. Whether you need support managing sudden flare-ups or want a long-term strategy for disease control, our experienced RA doctors are here to help.
Don’t wait for another flare to take over! Schedule an appointment with ARBDA today and take the first step toward better relief and healthier living.
2https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/more-about/understanding-rheumatoid-arthritis-flares
3https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306987711005202
4https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK80289/
5https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3296796/
6https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7284442/#sec6-nutrients-12-01456
