Arthritis Foundation Logo
Español ES
Your Local Area
Sign In
Popular Search
arthritis gout home ja
Suggested Content
Article
Rx for Access
Online resource that helps patients better understand health coverage options, choose the right coverage, manage the denial process and reduce health care costs.
Article
Do I Have Arthritis?
Think you may have arthritis? Learn about the four most common warning signs.
Article
Gout
Gout is an inflammatory type of arthritis that can come and go.
Arthritis Foundation Logo
  • About Arthritis
    Common Topics
    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
    • Arthritis Types
    • More About Arthritis
    • Where it Hurts
    • Related Conditions
  • Treatments
    Common Topics
    Managing Arthritis Care Costs

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

    About Biosimilars

    More of these biologic medications will soon be available. Learn what they are, whether you should consider them and what to ask your doctor.

    Webinar: Sleep Solutions for Pain

    Experts discuss solutions on how to quiet nighttime pain to get better sleep.

    • Treatment Plan
    • Drug Guide
    • Joint Surgery
    • Complementary Therapies
    • Insurance Management
  • Healthy Living
    Common Topics
    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.

    woman consoling anotherArthritis and Mental Health

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

    Woman ExercisingYour Exercise Solution (YES)

    Movement is the best medicine, even when your joints hurt. Your Exercise Solution (YES) is a resource to help you create a physical activity routine with modifications developed and approved by physical therapists.

    • Ease of Use Products
    • Managing Pain
    • Recipes & Nutrition
    • Physical Activity
    • Emotional Well-being
    • Daily Living
    • Family & Relationships
  • Juvenile Arthritis
    Common Topics
    JA Family Summit

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

    JA Camps

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

    Juvenile Arthritis Volunteer

    • About Juvenile Arthritis
    • Treatment
    • Managing Pain
    • Medical Decisions
    • Nutrition
    • Emotional Well-being
  • Providers
    Common Topics
    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. 

    Fellowships

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

    • Better Living Toolkits
    • Our Issue Briefs
  • Science
    Common Topics
    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.

    Focus

    • Awards
    • Funding Opportunities
    • OACS Forum Series
    • Osteoarthritis Focus
    • Participate in Clinical Trials
    • Partnerships
    • Publications
  • Get Involved
    Common Topics
    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!

    woman listening to podcastLive Yes! With Arthritis Podcast

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

    Walk to cure arthritisWalk To Cure Arthritis

    Join the movement and make an impact by honoring those who rock your world at the Arthritis Foundation’s signature walk event, Walk to Cure Arthritis. Register as an individual or form a team and Rock the Walk in your community!

    • Advocacy
    • Ways to Give
    • Fundraising
    • Volunteer
    • Partnership
Donate
Back

Tips for Managing an Arthritis Flare

Use these tips to manage arthritis flares when they arise.

1. Tips for Managing an Arthritis Flare
When your arthritis symptoms suddenly crank up to 11 out of 10, you know that you are experiencing a flare. This unexpected increase in your disease can last days or weeks even. Your symptoms are amplified and you’re left exhausted from the effort of lifting your head off the pillow in the morning. But with proper planning and care, you can manage these symptoms.
2. Plan ahead with your rheumatologist.
Your rheumatologist is your primary partner in your arthritis treatment. Together, you set out a plan to keep your disease in check and your symptoms at bay. But when a flare strikes, your prescribed treatments may not be enough. Talk to your doctor about a plan of action should a flare occur, such as making adjustments to your medications temporarily or adding an additional medication to treat the acute symptoms.
3. Plan ahead at home, too.
Unfortunately, flares have no consideration for your obligations at home or at work. They can strike any time, so it is equally important to have a plan in place at home. Have a few sick days saved up in case you need to use them. Or see if you can make adjustments to your schedule to work reduced or alternate hours. You can do the same at home. Make sure family members know which responsibilities to take over so you can have a break.
4. Watch the signs
Flares can sometimes be “predictable”. For example, you overdo it one day and end up with swollen, stiff joints the next day. Other times, they seem to attack without warning as inflammation builds. Pay attention to early warning signs, such as a dull ache in your hands or daytime sleepiness that lasts for days. A key part of managing the flare is tackling it as early as possible.
5. Guard against infection
Having an autoimmune disease, and treating the condition with some disease-modifying drugs, weakens your defenses against viruses and bacteria. So, you’re more likely to get an infection, which can trigger an arthritis flare. Get up to date on your vaccines. But don’t forget to wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with or sharing food and drinks with people who are sick.
6. Give it a rest.
Ask anyone with arthritis and they’ll tell you: The best thing you can do for your arthritis is to keep moving. However, when you are experiencing a flare, sometimes the best thing you can do for your arthritis is rest and allow your body to recharge. Finding balance between activity and rest is especially important during a flare.
7. Care for your emotions
It’s normal to be hyper-focused on your body when you have a flare. But it’s important to care for your emotional health too. Allowing anxiety and stress to build can worsen inflammation and lead to depression, which is also linked to inflammation. Find outlets for ongoing stress relief and get professional help when your emotions get too overwhelming to manage on your own.
8. Slow down; don’t stop.
Giving yourself a break with rest does not mean stop moving. You don’t want your joints becoming stiff. Move them through the fullest range of motion you can manage. You can do something as simple as slowly raising and lowering your legs while seated comfortably. Just be sure to pace yourself and don't overdo it. If something causes you more pain, stop immediately.
9. Apply the heat… and the chill.
Hot and cold compresses can help ease the pain of an arthritis flare. Heat soothes joint pain by increasing blood flow to the painful area and relaxing the muscles. Cold eases inflammation by constricting the blood vessels. It lessens pain because cold sensations travel along large nerve fibers and helps to disrupt pain sensations. Both treatments should be done for no more than 15 minutes at a time, two to four times a day.
10. Exercise your mind.
Meditation and visualization techniques can help you ease your mind and your body. When you practice these relaxation or mind-diversion methods, they may not directly reduce your pain, but they can minimize stress, which will indirectly relieve your pain. These techniques work best when you do them on a regular basis, so try incorporating them into your weekly exercise regimen.
11. Ask for help.
One of the best ways to get help is to ask for it. But sometimes it’s the hardest thing to do. Just know that your friends and family want to help. Before a flare strikes, let your loved ones know how a flare may affect you and give them ways they can help. Other sources of help may include your church or an arthritis Connect Group. Find upcoming events here.
12. Practice good sleep hygiene
Studies show that poor sleep habits not only can worsen pain but can also increase inflammation. Whether you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or struggle with chronic daytime sleepiness, some simple tips can help. Sleep on a regular schedule, avoid caffeine before bedtime, sleep in a cool, dark room and turn off electronic devices at least an hour before bed.

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
Coping With an Arthritis Flare

Managing Pain

Coping With an Arthritis Flare
What to do if your symptoms of pain, stiffness and fatigue suddenly get worse.
Read More
 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.
Take the Quiz
Give & Get Your Best
Your gift does amazing things for the arthritis community. Help yourself and help others.
Donate

Stay in the Know. Live in the Yes.

Get involved with the arthritis community. Tell us a little about yourself and, based on your interests, you’ll receive emails packed with the latest information and resources to live your best life and connect with others.

 
Get Involved
  • Live Yes! Connect Groups
  • Live Yes! Online Forum
  • Local Office
  • Fundraising
  • Webinars
  • Volunteer
  • Store
About
  • About Us
  • Annual Report
  • Careers
  • Code Of Ethics
  • Financials
  • News and Stories
  • Privacy Notice
  • Terms of Use
  • Español
Join Us
  • Jingle Bell Run
  • JA Camps
  • Pathways Conference
  • Living Well Events
  • Walk to Cure Arthritis
  • Fundraise Your Way
  • JA Family Summit
Home Office
  • 1355 Peachtree St NE Suite 600
  • Atlanta, GA 30309
  • Helpline: 1-800-283-7800
  • Contact Us
 
75th anniversary logo
Ashburn, VA
56° Arthritis Index Beneficial
See More Details
Arthritis Foundation is a qualified 501(c)(3) EIN 58-1341679
I Want to Contribute
I Need Help
  • Donate

    Donate

    Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life.

  • Volunteer

    Volunteer

    Join us and become a Champion of Yes. There are many volunteer opportunities available.

  • Partner

    Partner

    Proud Partners of the Arthritis Foundation make an annual commitment to directly support the Foundation’s mission.

Donate


Ways to Give

Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life. Whether it is supporting cutting-edge research, 24/7 access to one-on-one support, resources and tools for daily living, and more, your gift will be life-changing.

Make a Donation

Help millions of people live with less pain and fund groundbreaking research to discover a cure for this devastating disease. Please, make your urgently-needed donation to the Arthritis Foundation now!

Become a Member

Become an Arthritis Foundation member today for just $20 and you'll receive access to helpful tools..... and more. 

Make an Honor or Memorial Gift

Honor a loved one with a meaningful donation to the Arthritis Foundation. We'll send a handwritten card to the honoree or their family notifying them of your thoughtful gift.

Gift Planning

I want information on ways to remember the AF in my will, trust or other financial planning vehicles.
 

Other Ways to Give

  • Match Gift
  • Donate a Car
  • Donor-Advised Funds

Volunteer


Volunteer Opportunities

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.

Become a Volunteer

More About Volunteering

  • Walk to Cure Arthritis
  • Jingle Bell Run
  • Fundraise Your Way
  • JA Camp
  • Start a Live Yes! Connect Group
  • Be an Online Community Moderator
  • Local Leadership Board

Partner


Meet Our Partners

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

Visionary

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.

Pioneer

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.

Pacesetter

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.

Signature

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.

Supporting

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

More About Partnerships

  • Partner with Us
  • Ease Of Use Commendation
  • Let's Get a Grip On Arthritis
  • Promotions that Give Back