If you are living with arthritis, you might notice that some days are better than others. Arthritis flare-ups are periods of time when your symptoms get worse.
Learn more about arthritis flare-ups, what triggers them, and how to find relief.
An arthritis flare-up is a period of time with a sudden increase in joint symptoms. During a flare-up, you may have worsened pain, stiffness, or swelling of the joints that may last for one to two days, or even a week or more.
Common joint symptoms of an arthritis flare-up include:
If you have certain types of arthritis, you may have other symptoms in addition to joint symptoms during a flare-up.
People living with arthritis often say they feel like their joints predict the weather. Some people with arthritis notice their symptoms worsen on days with cold temperatures, rain, and low atmospheric pressure.
Repetitive motions while playing a sport or at your job can lead to arthritis from over-exertion. If you move a certain part of your body over and over again, arthritis symptoms like joint pain or tenderness can develop or worsen.
Some people’s arthritis symptoms are triggered by eating certain foods that may cause inflammation. Some common arthritis food triggers may include:1,2,3
It is best to limit or skip alcoholic beverages if you have arthritis. Drinking alcohol can trigger arthritis symptoms.4
Stress is an unavoidable part of life, but constant stress can cause changes in the body, like inflammation, that worsen arthritis symptoms.5 Reducing and preventing stress in your life can go a long way toward protecting your joints and your overall well-being.
Joint injury or trauma, such as a fracture or sprain, can lead to arthritis symptoms that affect a specific joint. Symptoms can start quickly after the event because of increased inflammation caused by the injury, or symptoms can develop months or years after the injury.
Some health conditions may be related to the development of arthritis symptoms, including the following:6
Talk to your doctor if you have questions about your health conditions.
Arthritis flare-ups can be painful and uncomfortable. There are several things you can do to help relieve your symptoms. Again, talk to your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your symptoms.
A little prevention can go a long way to helping reduce future arthritis flare-ups.
Arthritis flare-ups can last one to two days, or they can last a week or more.
Some types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can cause fever along with joint symptoms. The fever may be caused by inflammation related to the condition, an infection, or something else.
1. Nutrition and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center. Published May 11, 2015. Accessed November 17, 2022. https://www.hopkinsarthritis.org/patient-corner/disease-management/rheumatoid-arthrtis-nutrition/
2. An Anti-Inflammatory Diet May Be Good for Your Joints. Harvard Health Publishing; Harvard Medical School. Published February 1, 2022. Accessed November 17, 2022. https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/an-anti-inflammatory-diet-may-be-good-for-your-joints
3. How to Eat Less Salt. Arthritis Foundation. Accessed November 17, 2022. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/nutrition/foods-to-limit/salt
4. Alcohol and Arthritis. Arthritis Foundation. Accessed November 17, 2022. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/nutrition/foods-to-limit/alcohol
5. How Stress Affects Arthritis. Arthritis Foundation. Accessed November 17, 2022. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/emotional-well-being/stress-management/how-stress-affects-arthritis
6. What Triggers an Arthritis Flare? Arthritis Foundation. Accessed November 17, 2022. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/pain-relief-solutions/what-triggers-an-arthritis-flare
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