Understanding and Managing Arthritis Flares

Arthritis flares, or periods of increased disease activity, can significantly impact individuals living with this condition. The triggers and treatments for these flares vary depending on the type of arthritis.

Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory disease affecting both skin and joints. Approximately 30% of individuals with psoriasis develop PsA, often experiencing a psoriasis flare before arthritis symptoms worsen. Common triggers for psoriasis flares include stress and dietary factors. To manage these flares, it’s advised to ice the painful joint, stay hydrated, and avoid alcoholic, sugary beverages, and purine-rich foods like red meat and certain seafoods.

Osteoarthritis, in contrast, is not systemic but affects specific joints. For managing osteoarthritis flares, pain relief solutions like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often recommended. Topical treatments such as diclofenac gel or 2 Old Goats lotion can also be effective. In more severe cases, joint injections of steroids may be necessary.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) involves red, warm, inflamed, and painful joints, with flares triggered by diet, stress, illness, weather changes, smoking, and overexertion. The treatment of RA flares often involves steroids to control the inflammation quickly. The nature of RA also means that the immune response is a key factor in flares, with physical causes like overexertion or infections, or emotional ones like stress, leading to increased inflammation.

Hot and cold compresses can also provide relief during arthritis flares. Heat helps by increasing blood flow and relaxing muscles, while cold compresses reduce inflammation by constricting blood vessels.

For more detailed information on arthritis flares, visit the Arthritis Foundation, Arthritis Foundation’s Tips, WebMD, CreakyJoints, Verywell Health, Verywell Health’s Guide, and the Mayo Clinic for comprehensive guidance.