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  • About Arthritis
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    woman holding her wristWhat Is Arthritis?

    Arthritis is not one disease. Learn about the different types of arthritis, how they differ and why it’s important.

    microbesInflammation and the Immune System

    Body-wide inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases — and you may have more control over it than you think.

    Patient talking with nurseNewly Diagnosed With Arthritis

    A new arthritis diagnosis can be overwhelming. These tips can help.

    • Understanding Arthritis
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    • Where it Hurts
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    Woman holding shoulderWebinar: Touch Therapies for Pain Management

    Learn the evidence behind popular touch therapies for arthritis, including what to try and what to avoid, for how long and when.

    Managing Arthritis Care Costs

    Learn the basics about health care costs and financial tools available to you.

    Man with head in hands on bedWebinar: Arthritis Fatigue Causes and Solutions

    Learn the various causes of arthritis-related fatigue and strategies to combat weariness.

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    Woman with upset stomachMicrobiome, Gut Health & Arthritis

    Microbiome, microbes, microorganisms – these terms may be confusing, but the types of bacteria living in and on our bodies can impact arthritis. Learn what helps or harms the microbiome and the health of your gut and discover dietary changes that can make a difference. This episode was originally released on January 19, 2021.

    man exercisingStairs Workout Demo

    Strengthen your leg muscles and improve your stability to make going up and down stairs safer and easier.

    woman consoling anotherArthritis and Mental Health

    Learn about the connection between arthritis, depression and anxiety and how these conditions can make your arthritis worse.

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    2023 JA Family Summit

    Learn about the National Juvenile Arthritis Conference, a place for families to connect, share and learn.

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    The Arthritis Foundation’s JA camp programs give kids with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases the chance to make lasting memories.

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    • About Juvenile Arthritis
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    Transforming Clinical Interactions

    The Live Yes! Arthritis community connects patients with others online and in-person for support and education, and encourages patients to play an active role in their health care.

    Partners 4 Patients with Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation recently launched an initiative to build stronger relationships and increase recognition of our most engaged practices. 

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    See how we're aiming to address the growing shortage of arthritis specialists, especially in under-served parts of the country.

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    OACS Forum Series

    The Osteoarthritis Clinical Studies Forum Series features OA thought leaders from across the globe discussing the future of how the disease can be treated to improve patient outcomes.

    man bandaging boy's kneeConquering Childhood Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation is mobilizing patients and their families to engage in studies comparing the effectiveness of treatments for juvenile arthritis and funding research for more options.

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    Capital hillAction Center

    Take action today - use the resources here to learn who your elected officials are, what opportunities we have to advocate from the comfort of your own home, federal and state legislation, and more!

    LiveYes! Insights thumbnailLive Yes! INSIGHTS

    Share your experience in a 10-minute assessment to be among those changing the future of arthritis.

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    You may have arthritis, but it doesn't have you. The Arthritis Foundation’s one-of-a-kind podcast. Hosted by patients, for patients.

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Coping With an Arthritis Flare

What to do if your symptoms of pain, stiffness and fatigue suddenly get worse.

By Michele Cohen Marill | Reviewed 4/21/2021

Having an arthritis flare can feel like hitting a wall. Your arthritis has been manageable, then suddenly swollen joints, pain, fatigue and mental fogginess derail your day-to-day activities.

For some people, flares are an inevitable part of the arthritis journey. They are often temporary, but it can be difficult to tell whether this sudden escalation in symptoms will pass or whether it’s a signal that you need to make changes to your treatment plan to prevent progression of your disease. Depending on the situation and your medical history, your doctor may determine that it indicates a worsening of your disease and adjust your treatment.

How you experience a flare may vary depending on the type of arthritis you have and the trigger. Some triggers may be obvious. For example, if you over-exerted yourself while working in the yard or exercised more intensely than usual, or if you experienced a stressful event such as moving or changing jobs, you may have a temporary recurrence of symptoms. For some people, eating particular foods or even having their teeth cleaned can trigger a flare or temporary worsening of symptoms.

In other cases a flare may come on suddenly, with no apparent cause. That might indicate that your medication is no longer working as well and needs to be adjusted or changed.

As troubling as a flare can be, “you’re not alone in this,” says Victoria Ruffing, director of nursing and patient education at the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center. Your health care team can help you get through it, and you can find support in the Arthritis Foundation’s online community and Connect Groups from others living with arthritis who know what you’re going through.

How Serious is Your Flare?

A flare can be as mild as a recurrence of morning stiffness, but don’t dismiss it. Even if the symptoms resolve quickly, make a note of when they occurred, how long they lasted and how you felt so you can share that information at your next medical visit, Ruffing says.

If your symptoms are severe or last more than a few days, contact your rheumatologist right away, says Ruffing. Your doctor may prescribe an additional drug, like prednisone, or adjust your regular meds until the flare subsides.

If the pain continues getting worse or the symptoms don’t respond to your efforts to relieve them with ice, heat or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen, that’s a red flag that your disease may be worsening and you and your doctor may need to adjust your treatment plan and medication, she says.

Symptoms aren’t always due to a flare. For example, if you take regular injections and you begin experiencing symptoms before it’s time for the next shot, the medication may not be working as expected. A blood test can detect markers of inflammation, which will help determine whether you need a change in your treatment regimen.

What a Flare Feels Like With…

Rheumatoid Arthritis: You may have some version of the original symptoms you felt when your rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was diagnosed, including joint pain and swelling, morning stiffness, redness, fatigue and mental fogginess. If pain reoccurs in the same joint, your doctor may want to have imaging of your joint, with ultrasound or MRI, for example, or check your bloodwork to measure inflammation markers.

Psoriatic Arthritis: You may have an increase in psoriatic plaques and pain and swelling in one or several joints, which could be accompanied by fatigue. Like RA, psoriatic arthritis can affect organs as well, so be alert to other symptoms. For example, if you develop eye pain or blurry vision, you should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist.

Ankylosing Spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis flares often involve fatigue and back pain, but the pain can occur in other joints, such as the shoulders, hips, hands and feet. Don’t ignore eye problems or other symptoms that could indicate systemic effects of the disease.

Lupus: A lupus flare can cause fever, rash, joint pain, fatigue, sores in the mouth or nose, numbness or tingling or headache. Because active lupus disease involves inflammation of organs, it’s important to contact your rheumatologist to evaluate your symptoms and head off any disease progression.

Gout: A gout flare is often called an “attack” because it causes sudden pain and swelling in a joint — often the big toe. In some cases, a flare is the first sign that someone has gout, which is caused by the build-up of uric acid in the body. If you have a prescription medicine for gout, take it. If not, take ibuprofen or naproxen (not aspirin, which can raise uric acid levels), and call your doctor. Ice the painful joint, drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcoholic and sugary beverages and purine-rich foods, such as red meat and certain seafoods.

Osteoarthritis: Unlike other forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis is not a systemic disease. It affects specific joints rather than the entire body. However, you still might have a sudden increase in pain or swelling in a joint, particularly after over-use. If you have repeated painful episodes, you should contact your health provider, who might refer you to an orthopedist or physical therapist.

How Can I Relieve My Flare?

If your flare is severe, your doctor may determine that your disease is worsening and may alter your treatment plan and medication. But whether it’s mild or severe, you can take some steps to ease the joint pain and swelling by resting it, applying an ice or heat pack and taking an over-the-counter analgesic, like acetaminophen (Tylenol), or NSAID, like ibuprofen or naproxen. If you have morning stiffness, a hot shower or gentle stretching may help.

Meanwhile, double-down on healthy habits, such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods and relaxing with deep-breathing exercises or meditation. And don’t be too hard on yourself. “No one leads a totally stress-free life. There are going to be things that come up in life that could trigger a flare,” says Ruffing.

Around the clock and all year long, we’ve got you covered with unique pain management tools and resources you won’t find anywhere else.

Managing Pain
View All Articles
 What Triggers an Arthritis Flare?

Managing Pain

What Triggers an Arthritis Flare?
Learn what triggers flares for different types of arthritis.
Read More
Quiz to Help Manage Pain
This eye-opening quiz may be just what you need to help you take control of arthritis pain.
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The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing information, advocacy, science and community. We can only achieve these goals with your help. Strong, outspoken and engaged volunteers will help us conquer arthritis. By getting involved, you become a leader in our organization and help make a difference in the lives of millions. Join us and become a Champion of Yes.

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Live Yes! INSIGHTS


Give Just 10 Minutes.

Tell us what matters most to you. Change the future of arthritis.

By taking part in the Live Yes! INSIGHTS assessment, you’ll be among those changing lives today and changing the future of arthritis, for yourself and for 54 million others. And all it takes is just 10 minutes.

Your shared experiences will help:

- Lead to more effective treatments and outcomes
- Develop programs to meet the needs of you and your community
- Shape a powerful agenda that fights for you

Now is the time to make your voice count, for yourself and the entire arthritis community. 

Currently this program is for the adult arthritis community.  Since the needs of the juvenile arthritis (JA) community are unique, we are currently working with experts to develop a customized experience for JA families. 

How are you changing the future?

By sharing your experience, you’re showing decision-makers the realities of living with arthritis, paving the way for change. You’re helping break down barriers to care, inform research and create resources that make a difference in people’s lives, including your own.

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As a partner, you will help the Arthritis Foundation provide life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections for people with arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability. Join us today and help lead the way as a Champion of Yes.

Trailblazer

Our Trailblazers are committed partners ready to lead the way, take action and fight for everyday victories. They contribute $2,000,000 to $2,749,000

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Our Visionary partners help us plan for a future that includes a cure for arthritis. These inspired and inventive champions have contributed $1,500,00 to $1,999,999.

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Our Pioneers are always ready to explore and find new weapons in the fight against arthritis. They contribute $1,000,000 to $1,499,999.

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Our Pacesetters ensure that we can chart the course for a cure for those who live with arthritis. They contribute $500,000 to $999,000.

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Our Signature partners make their mark by helping us identify new and meaningful resources for people with arthritis. They contribute $250,000 to $499,999.

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Our Supporting partners are active champions who provide encouragement and assistance to the arthritis community. They contribute $100,000 to $249,999.

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