Rheumatoid arthritis flare treatment

A flare is a period when rheumatoid arthritis symptoms become more active than your usual pattern. You may notice increased joint pain, swelling, warmth, morning stiffness, tiredness, or reduced ability to use your hands. A flare can affect one area or several joints. Similar symptoms can come from infection, injury, or another condition, so a sudden change should not automatically be labelled a flare. Your clinician may review the joint pattern, general health, recent infections, and medicines.

The purpose of treatment is to reduce inflammation while preserving safe movement. Disease-controlling medicines help manage the underlying condition, whereas anti-inflammatory medication may be used for symptom relief when suitable.

Contact your rheumatology or primary-care team when symptoms are clearly worsening or interfering with sleep and daily tasks. Follow your personalised flare plan if you have one. Rest painful joints from heavy loading, but keep gentle movement within comfort to avoid becoming more stiff. Use cool packs for swollen joints or warmth for stiffness, with a cloth barrier and short applications. Take only medicines recommended for you; anti-inflammatory drugs can be unsuitable with some stomach, kidney, heart, pregnancy, or medicine histories. Do not increase steroids or stop disease-controlling treatment without advice.

Get urgent medical help for a hot, severely painful joint with fever, chills, or feeling unwell, because infection needs prompt assessment. Seek immediate help for chest pain, severe breathlessness, sudden weakness, confusion, or a serious allergic reaction. Contact your treatment team quickly if swelling is rapidly spreading or you cannot use a limb safely.

Ask what counts as a flare for you, how soon to call, which rescue medicines are appropriate, and how to balance rest, movement, and work during recovery.