The term "arthritis" is used to describe more than 100 conditions. This includes osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, Lyme disease, psoriasis, fibromyalgia and many others. Most of these conditions have similar general symptoms such as pain, fatigue and inflammation. While each form of arthritis has its own unique cause, symptoms and treatment plan, certain situations can cause arthritis flare-ups no matter the form. Becoming familiar with common triggers and how to deal with them plays an important role in the management of this disease.
Fatigue
Whenever the body is fighting a chronic condition such as arthritis, it can get worn down. For this reason it is important to get adequate rest. Getting a solid eight to 10 hours of sleep each night can help to calm a flare-up and may even prevent them from happening, says the National Institutes of Health. If arthritis is particularly painful in one area of the body, sleeping with pillows or cushions can help take pressure off of painful joints. Good sleep habits such as going to bed and getting up at the same time each day and avoiding activities, food or drinks that simulate the nervous system too close to bedtime might also be beneficial.
Stress
Constant stress can leave a person with arthritis feeling less able to cope with the symptoms and disease in general, warns the University of Washington School of Medicine. Stress can lead to many changes in the body which can exacerbate pain, stiffness, swelling and fatigue. Since some forms of arthritis can cause damage to the heart and other organs stress can make any secondary conditions worse as well. Dealing with arthritis means dealing with constant medical appointments, changes in lifestyle and sometimes changes in finances. Finding positive ways of managing stress on a daily basis may help to calm symptoms and reduce the severity and incidence of arthritis flare-ups.
Skipping Medication
The best way to manage arthritis is to take steps daily to keep it under control and prevent flare-ups from occurring whenever possible. The Arthritis Foundation states that this is where daily medication comes into play. The medications prescribed often work to modify the harm that the disease is doing to the body. This can include keeping inflammation under control. Skipping or lowering daily doses of medication may eventually trigger a flare-up as medication levels drop too low in the body. At this point, even more medication may be needed to get symptoms back under control.
Lack of Exercise
When living with chronic pain and stiffness due to arthritis, exercise may not seem like a good idea. The right level, however, can actually make arthritis symptoms better. In contrast, MayoClinic.com states that a lack of exercise can make the pain and stiffness of arthritis worse which may contribute to flare-ups. Weak and tight muscles can place pressure on an arthritic joint and contribute to further joint damage. A physical therapist can provide advice on how to balance exercise with rest to get the best benefits.
Weather Changes
While the reasons behind increased arthritis symptoms and changes in the weather are still not well-understood, some patients do experience flare-ups during high humidity or cold temperatures. Johns Hopkins Medicine states that it is possible that tolerance to pain drops in colder weather or that tissues in the body change as the barometric pressure changes. Lower air pressure may lead to more swelling than normal. While moving to a better climate may sound like an option there is not enough research to support this theory. There are many other proven methods that can be used to help manage flare-ups.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Arthritis
- University of Washington School of Medicine: Stress and Arthritis
- Arthritis Foundation: Why Skipping Medications is a Bad Idea
- MayoClinic.com: Exercising with Arthritis: Improve Your Joint Pain and Stiffness
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Does Weather Affect Arthritis Pain?
