Inflammatory Arthritis

Do you have a question related to an arthritis condition that doesn't fit in any of the other boards? Perhaps you're living with spondylitis, spondylosis, rheumatica, polymyalgia, fibromyalgia or something else we've not covered? Your questions and discussions can be posted here.

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by Guest Posts on Thu Oct 13, 2016 10:10 am

Inflammatory Arthritis

On behalf of a guest visitor:
What self-help tips can you share for when you have an acute flare-up of inflammatory arthritis in major joints like knees?
talkhealth team on behalf of a guest visitor

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Arthritis Care
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by Arthritis Care on Thu Oct 13, 2016 4:05 pm

Re: Inflammatory Arthritis

Hello there,

Thanks for your post.

If you are having a bad time with an inflammatory arthritis flare-up, there are some things that you can try to help get you through it.

- Firstly, making sure an action plan is in place with regard to your medication. Your rheumatologist will be able to discuss this with you. The nurses in the clinic are also a good point of contact if you discover yourself struggling during a flare.

- Applying hot or cold packs on inflamed joints can also help. Heat pads, warm baths etc. can soothe aching muscles, whilst ice packs can reduce inflammation (Use for no more than 15 minutes at a time).

- Balancing rest with activity is also important. You might need to take it much easier during a flare up - listen to your body and don't overdo it. Trying to continue very gentle muscle strengthening exercises during this time will prevent joints becoming stiff and uncomfortable.

- Communicating to others how you are feeling will give you emotional support, as well as some extra hands to help with some of the practical things you might not feel up to doing.

You might find it helpful to look at our Living with RA booklet here:

https://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/what-i ... -arthritis

If you would like to talk things through further, we would be happy to hear from you. Our free phone number is below.

I hope this helps,

Emma-Jane
Arthritis Care Helpline
Tel 0808 800 4050 10 am - 4 pm weekdays

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by Arthritis Action on Mon Oct 17, 2016 8:24 am

Re: Inflammatory Arthritis

Hello,

If you are having a major flare that does not settle, or if you are having frequent flares, it may mean that your arthritis medication is not working as well as it should, and may need to be adjusted. You should not suffer in between hospital visits, so you should contact your rheumatology team and they will help. Sometimes if you have one especially troublesome joint, a steroid injection can help, but obviously it is important to get advice because it is important to make sure that something else is not wrong, for example another condition such as a joint infection, or osteoarthritis.

Wendy

Dr Wendy Holden
Medical Advisor to Arthritis Action and Consultant Rheumatologist
www.arthritisaction.org.uk /
info@arthritisaction.org

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