How to Minimize Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare-Ups
By Ilima Loomis••Updated April 4, 2021
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis can be a life-changing condition, because the painful joints, chronic stiffness, and other symptoms it brings can make it seem impossible to continue the activities you enjoy.
It’s true that many people with rheumatoid arthritis make changes in their life to help them cope with their condition. At the same time, many people find that with treatment and lifestyle changes, they can reduce flare-ups, keep symptoms to a minimum, and maintain a high quality of life.
What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?
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While the specific causes aren’t known, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune cells attack and damage healthy tissues in the joints. This leads to inflammation and swelling, and over time it can damage the bones and cause the joints to become twisted or deformed. Early on, the disease primarily affects the fingers, toes, and other small joints, but over time it can progress to other parts of the body, including major joints like the knees, hips, and shoulders.
Many people find that the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis will come and go, or go through periods of “flare up” and remission.
During a flare-up, people with rheumatoid arthritis will experience pain, tenderness, and swelling in their joints, along with stiffness, especially after inactivity or when they first wake up. Tiredness and fever are also common symptoms.
While rheumatoid arthritis mainly affects the joints, some people also have symptoms in other parts of their bodies. Other parts of the body that can be affected include:
Eyes Skin Nerve tissue Blood vessels Heart Lungs KidneysThe disease can also lead to complications like osteoporosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, heart and lung problems, and lymphoma, and it can weaken your immune system, making you more prone to infections. Some of the medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis can also lead to complications.
Finally, as many as a third of people with chronic arthritis also suffer from depression, and the loss of mobility that often comes with the disease can lead people to feel isolated.
Treatment Options
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There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but treatment and therapy can help minimize flare-ups and manage symptoms. Treatment options include:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen. These drugs reduce pain and inflammation. In addition to over-the-counter versions, higher-dose NSAIDs are available with a doctor’s prescription. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. These prescription drugs prevent the immune system from attacking the joints, reducing inflammation and slowing down the progression of the disease. Steroids. Taken as a pill or injected into the joint, steroids can help ease pain and inflammation. Biologic drugs. These genetically-engineered proteins also help suppress the immune system. Surgery. In some cases, hip, knee, and shoulder replacement surgery can significantly improve mobility and improve quality of life. Physical therapy. Physical therapy can help you strengthen muscles, increase flexibility, ease pain and stiffness with therapeutic massage, and learn at-home treatments like heat and ice.You can use the RxSaver tool to find coupons on prescription medications at pharmacies near you. Some of the medications you can find on RxSaver include:
| Medication | Lowest Price for Common Dosages |
|---|---|
| [Ibuprofen][1] | $6.18 |
| [Naproxen][2] | $9.73 |
| [Sulfasalazine][3] | $14.24 |
| [Prednisone][4] | $3.34 |
[2]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/naproxen/coupons
[3]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/sulfasalazine/coupons
[4]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/prednisone/coupons
Reducing Flare-Ups with Lifestyle Changes
Taking care of your body with diet, exercise, rest, and other healthy lifestyle choices can make a big difference in managing your rheumatoid arthritis. Maintaining overall good health can help you reduce the frequency of flare-ups, keeping your rheumatoid arthritis in remission and slowing its progress. And when you do have a flare-up, healthy lifestyle practices can ease your symptoms.
Even though you may not feel like exercising because of pain and stiffness, moving your body can make a big difference in managing your rheumatoid arthritis. Exercise doesn’t damage your joints, and it can actually reduce your symptoms and help you avoid long-term disability. Try activities like walking, swimming, and other low-impact aerobic workouts, as well as strength training to build muscle, like working with light weights or resistance bands. And make sure to spend plenty of time stretching to keep joints flexible. Work with your doctor or physical therapist to come up with an exercise plan that’s right for you.
Diet can affect inflammation and has a big impact on your overall health, and many people find they can ease symptoms and reduce flare-ups by watching what they eat. Avoid salty and processed foods, and stock up on healthy foods like plenty of fruits and vegetables. Certain foods are known to be especially good for inflammation. Try anti-inflammatory foods like:
- Salmon
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Brussels sprouts
- Broccoli
- Walnuts
- Oatmeal
- Brown rice
- Extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil
- Green tea
Finally, fatigue and stress can lead to flare-ups, so make sure you’re getting adequate sleep at night and taking steps to manage your stress in healthy ways, like deep breathing, reading, and spending time with loved ones. And if you smoke, quit, as smoking can not only make rheumatoid arthritis worse but can also increase your risk of complications.
The pain, symptoms and other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can be disruptive, or even disabling, but there is hope. By taking care of your body, and working with your doctor to find the right treatment for your disease, you can take charge of your health and continue to enjoy a high quality of life.
Ibuprofen: 800 MG/ 30 tablets
Naproxen: 500 MG / 30 tablets
Sulfasalazine: 500 MG / 30 tablets
Prednisone: 20 MG / 30 tablets
*Lowest online price at national pharmacy chains Costco, CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens and Walmart as of 4/4/2021. Prices vary by location and pharmacy, see RxSaver.com for actual pricing in your area.
Ilima Loomis
Ilima Loomis is a freelance writer and journalist who specializes in writing about health care, HR, science, travel, and Hawaii. You can find more of her work at ilimaloomis.com. Ilima is a regular contributor to the RxSaver blog.
The information on this site is generalized and is not medical advice. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard seeking advice or delay in seeking treatment because of something you have read on our site. RxSaver makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of this information.
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