Summit explains the term “arthritis flare-up” — and shares what you can do when you experience one.
Arthritis (also known as osteoarthritis) is a common and painful condition that happens when a joint’s cartilage wears away. Without cartilage to cushion the joint and act as a buffer, the bones can rub together. This causes pain, stiffness, and inflammation. It’s a chronic condition that can make everyday activities difficult. But what does it mean to have an arthritis flare-up?
An arthritis flare-up refers to an acute increase in pain, swelling, and stiffness in an arthritic joint. It’s a worsening of the chronic symptoms that people generally have. During an arthritis flare-up, you have more disability associated with that joint. Your symptoms are worse, and you’re less able to do the things you normally would, whether that’s climbing stairs or playing tennis.
What causes an arthritis flare-up?
An arthritis flare-up can happen after a change in the weather, after an injury, or in response to a change in activity level. Anytime you’re increasing your activity or doing something new, you could be at risk of having an arthritis flare-up. Patients sometimes report that their joints feel worse after they do a lot of snow shoveling or yard work, for example.
What can you do ahead of time to reduce your chances of having an arthritis flare-up?
The best thing to do is to be aware of your baseline activity level, so you can prepare yourself if you’re going to be doing more. Be cognizant if you’re going to be doing something new. That way, you can take precautions — premedicate before going on a hike, for example.
If your symptoms bother you, come in and see your Summit provider for help. If it gets really swollen or painful, come to see your Summit specialist for measures to get you through it.
How long does it last?
Arthritis flare-ups can be variable, but they generally last three to five days with conservative care. Home care can include anti-inflammatory medicines, changing activities, and using ice, compression, or bracing. If doing those things isn’t helping after a week, come in to see the Summit team, and we can help it along. Office-based treatments like joint aspiration and cortisone injections can provide relief from an arthritis flare-up.
Over the long term, it’s smart to keep track of how many flare-ups you’re having. If they are increasing, it might be time to look into injections or surgery. In other words, if you’re having more bad days than good, it’s worth having a discussion about what Summit can do to fix that. It’s a quality-of-life issue.
When to seek treatment for your arthritis
Arthritis doesn’t have to spell the end of an active life. If you are experiencing worrisome symptoms or persistent pain, the renowned arthritis specialists at Summit Orthopedics can help. We work with you to confirm a diagnosis and develop an appropriate conservative treatment plan. Start your journey to healthier joints. Find your arthritis expert, schedule an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a consultation.
More resources for you:
- Watch our video about the connection between exercise and arthritis.