Learning The Causes Of Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare-Ups

What Causes A Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare-Ups? Unfortunately, there is no list of triggers that can lead to a flare-up of rheumatoid arthritis swelling; the factors that can lead to an increase in swelling are as varied as the patients who suffer from RA.  As no one has tracked down the exact causes of RA, it is just as difficult to pin down any specific agent that will lead to an arthritic attack.

Improperly Medicating

One major factor that appears to determine flare-ups of RA symptoms is medicine.  If a patient is not taking enough medicine for their pain, a prolonging of the swelling and joint pain may be the end result.  Conversely, if a patient is over-medicating--taking too much medicine, too often--RA symptoms could eventually get no relief from their symptoms.  This happens either because the additional medicine is now triggering an up-regulation of the autoimmune proteins that lead to joint swelling or because the body is slowly becoming immune to the affects of the medicine when dealing with the RA symptoms.  Before making changes in their medication regiment, a patient who is experiencing prolonged bouts of RA symptoms should talk with their doctor.

Stress and Fatigue

Two other major factors that help determine the discomfort associated with RA are stress and fatigue.  Though it has not been conclusively proven that stress is a determining factor in RA symptoms, a patient can certainly feel as though their pain is made worse by external stress.  Fatigue, however, does seem to be one of the leading causes of individual complaints of RA flare-ups.  Overuse of a particular joint can lead to a general soreness of the tissues around the afflicted joint; sore muscles and aching joints are signs that a person should stop and rest, as additional exertion will only lead to increased joint pain.  As a joint becomes overtaxed, it becomes more susceptible to attack by the agents that caused the RA flare-up in the first place.

Weather: Humidity


Many people also complain about the weather affecting their joints, and whether this is an old-wives tale or not, the increase in pressure or humidity can make it feel as though the joint is suffering more on any given day.  However, the weather does not necessarily affect the condition of the joint but more the sensation of swelling, stiffness and pain.
    
While it is difficult to pin down any factors that lead to flare-ups of RA pain, there are some agents that seem to help alleviate the discomfort experienced by RA patients.  Keeping hydrated is one of the major factors in relieving joint pain, especially due to swelling.  The body uses water to help flush away the fluids and antibodies that can collect in swollen joints.  Keeping well-hydrated can help to reduce swelling, especially if experienced early in the day.  Studies have also shown that vitamin D deficiency is often seen in patients suffering from outbreaks of RA pain and swelling and may be linked with increased susceptibility to flare-ups. If a patient is suffering from prolonged, painful bouts of RA pain, it is important to talk with a doctor about medicines, exercise and diet changes that may help to alleviate the pain and suffering associated with rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups.

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