Arthritis Flare-Ups: Causes, Symptoms & How to Find Relief | TYLENOL® (2024)

FAQs

How do you calm an arthritis flare-up? ›

Apply ice or heat for pain, and talk to a doctor about taking NSAIDs. How a specialist can help: They can recommend specific exercises and/or physical therapy, and provide assistive devices like canes. They also prescribe oral and topical medications, as well as injections, starting with cortisone shots.

For most people, the flare risk increases when treatments are tapered or stopped. Other triggers include overexertion, stress, infection or poor sleep.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, ask your provider if you should exercise during flares. You might work through your joint flares by doing only range-of-motion exercises. Or you might exercise in water. Even during a flare, it's good to keep your body moving.

What is the strongest anti-inflammatory over the counter? Naproxen (Aleve) is the strongest NSAID available without a prescription. Pain relief lasts longer, so you do not have to take it as often as ibuprofen (Advil).

NSAIDs are the most effective oral medicines for OA. They include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) naproxen (Aleve) and diclofenac (Voltaren, others). All work by blocking enzymes that cause pain and swelling. The problem is that some of those enzymes also help blood to clot and protect the lining of your stomach.

Arthritis progression can be slowed or halted through a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle. Certain types of arthritis can be treated with methotrexate and other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that can slow disease progression.

Because rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can result in physical impairment or cause extreme difficulty standing, sitting, or walking, RA can be considered a disability in advanced stages.

Pain is chronic when it lasts three to six months or longer, but arthritis pain can last a lifetime. It may be constant, or it may come and go. Chronic pain can make it hard to perform daily activities like cleaning the house, dressing or looking after your kids.

Does sitting make arthritis worse? ›

Rheumatoid Arthritis

As with OA, the joint stiffness that's a hallmark of the RA tends to be worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Therefore, sedentary habits, like sitting for hours at a desk, can exacerbate these symptoms and lead to even greater swelling and joint problems.

Research suggests avoiding certain foods and beverages, including highly processed foods, red meat, fried foods, alcohol, and anything with added sugars. Keep in mind that lifestyle factors like your activity level, body weight, and smoking status are also vital to managing arthritis.

Health Care Providers: Improving Your Arthritis Patients' Health. Counsel for low-impact physical activities—Walking, biking, swimming, and water activities are all good non-drug ways to ease arthritis pain and are safe for most adults. These forms of exercise can also improve joint function and improve mood.

Heat and cold.

Use heating pads for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Use of cold, such as applying ice packs to sore muscles, can relieve pain and inflammation after strenuous exercise.

The ingredients of Vicks VapoRub, menthol and camphor, have primarily superficial effects, but can provide a soothing sensation over an arthritic joint that is inflamed.