Flares are common for individuals living with rheumatologic conditions like gout, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or psoriatic arthritis. Even with effective treatment and good symptom control, flares can happen, causing unexpected pain and discomfort. Here’s what you need to know about managing flares and what to expect during these episodes.
What Triggers Flares?
Flares occur when symptoms temporarily worsen due to various factors. These might include:
Changes in diet (e.g., consuming more processed or high-purine foods).
Increased stress or hormonal changes.
Overuse of affected joints.
Changes in or delayed effectiveness of medications.
Identifying triggers can help prevent future flares. Keeping a symptom journal is a useful way to track patterns and potential causes.
How to Manage a Flare
The goal is to alleviate pain quickly while addressing the root cause. Follow these steps:
Recognize the Symptoms
Increased joint pain, swelling, or stiffness.
Morning stiffness lasting longer than usual.
Pain localized to specific joints or spreading to others.
For pain worsening by the end of the day, it may be due to wear-and-tear rather than a true inflammatory flare.
Take Action Early
Start with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve), if safe for you.
Rest the affected joint but avoid complete immobility to prevent stiffness.
Use ice or heat therapy depending on what provides relief.
Contact Your Rheumatologist
If over-the-counter options don’t help, consult your doctor. They may recommend short-term treatments like corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) or adjusting your current medication regimen.
Inform them of any new or worsening symptoms, including their severity and timing (e.g., morning or evening).
Targeted Relief
For localized flares, a corticosteroid injection into the affected joint might provide relief.
If the flare is systemic, adjustments to your disease-modifying medications (e.g., allopurinol for gout, methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis) may be necessary.
What to Expect During a Flare
Temporary SetbacksFlares can be frustrating, especially after periods of good control. Remember, they are often manageable and don’t mean your treatment has failed.
Adjustment PeriodYour rheumatologist may need to tweak your treatment plan or explore whether the flare is due to incomplete control, delayed medication effects, or other triggers.
Key Recommendations
Keep a Symptom Journal: Record details like:
Where the pain occurs.
When it's the worst (morning vs. evening).
What you’ve tried to manage and whether it worked.
Stay Connected with Your Doctor: If the flare is severe, recurrent, or affecting multiple joints, timely communication with your rheumatologist is crucial.
Focus on Prevention
Maintain a consistent treatment plan.
Identify and avoid known triggers.
Follow a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet.
When to Seek Immediate Help
If pain is unmanageable, if you experience significant swelling or redness in a joint, or if a flare doesn’t respond to usual treatments, consult your doctor promptly. Early intervention can prevent prolonged discomfort and complications.
Flares, while unpleasant, are often manageable with the right strategies and support. Work closely with your rheumatologist to maintain control over your condition and achieve the ultimate goal: full remission and a return to normal life.
Are you in need of a compassionate rheumatologist who will listen and work with you toward disease remission? If you're searching for the best direct care rheumatologist in Denver, UnabridgedMD is here for you. Click here to get in touch https://www.unabridgedmd.com or call 303-731-4006
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