5 Key Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis Flares  

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that chiefly affects the joints, causing pain, inflammation, swelling and stiffness. Rheumatoid Arthritis flares are phases of RA disease exacerbation where the signs and symptoms of the disease deteriorate as against the usual disease activity in the body. If they occur regularly then this often requires either a change in self-care routine or even adjusting in the entire baseline treatment plan. This article will help know the Rheumatoid Arthritis flare-up signs and RA flare treatment in homeopathy.

What are the triggers that cause flare-up in Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Common triggers for Inflammatory Arthritis flare are: –

• Infections such as colds, flu etc.
• Emotional or physical stress
• Lack of sleep
• Overactivity and exertion
• Changes in medication for Rheumatoid Arthritis or missing doses
• Weather changes especially cold and damp weather.
• Poor diet or alcohol consumption

What are Early Warning Signs of an RA Flare?

RA disease activity peaks are temporary and unpredictable as they vary in duration and severity. They can last for a few hours to several days, or even weeks. They are different from the usual daily variation in signs and symptoms of the disease. Identifying them early is important as this can help in timely action to potentially reduce its severity and damage. These flares should not be ignored especially if the flares become unusually severe, more frequent are associated with new symptoms such as chest pain, fever etc. and if the flares don’t get better with at home relief measures.

5 key symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis flares

1. RA flare joint pain

There is increase in joint pain, swelling and tenderness than usual. Even a minor rise in tenderness or swelling in the usual trouble area could be a signal of RA flare. Commonly the wrists, hands, knees and feet are affected. The joints become puffy and hot due to the inflammation during RA-flare even before the pain starts.

2. Increased fatigue

Despite sleeping well or not being much active physically. It does not improve even with rest. It may feel like the whole body is dragging. The productivity of the person maybe significantly lowered due to this fatigue.

3. Stiffness of joints

Stiffness of joints which is worse especially in the morning. This morning stiffness begins even before pain starts. It tends to last longer than usual (can be more than an hour long). There is limited mobility of affected joints due to this stiffness and pain. It can make even relatively simple tasks such as walking or griping objects difficult.

4. RA flare fever or chills

In this even a low-grade fever or general malaise including loss of appetite or nausea can be a pre-flare indication. There maybe trouble staying asleep or even going off to sleep even without any obvious pain. Subtle pain shifts with pain in new joints or even more than usual general body soreness can indicate RA-flare.

5. Mood Changes

There maybe even be mood changes such as feeling of irritability, anxiety or unusual sensitivity related to inflammatory changes. In some cases, people complaint of forgetfulness or brain fag right before a flare.

Also Read Boosting immune system: Prevent Cold & Flu with Homeopathy

What are the tips for Rheumatoid Arthritis flare management?

For effectively coping with RA flare symptoms, one must observe the following measures: –

• Avoid overexertion and take plenty of rest.
• Reduce stress by regularly practicing mind- relaxation techniques and pursuing hobbies.
• Heat and cold therapy – Apply cold things such as ice packs reduce to reduce swelling and hot applications to relax stiff muscles.
• Take plenty of water and have a healthy diet. One must especially have a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods.

What is the role of homeopathy in the treatment of RA flare-ups?

Homeopathy has a significant role to play in the management of RA flares. Homeopathic medicine helps to reduce RA flare signs and symptoms such as pain, swelling, tenderness of the joints and general malaise. Homeopathic medicines are effective and safe as they don’t cause any side-effects. Homeopathic medicines are based on holistic approach and focus on the overall well-being of the patient rather than just physical symptoms. They help to deal with the RA flare related changes at the emotional level such as increased frustration, anxiety or even depression. Correctly selected homeopathic medicine not only provides relief in management of individual RA flare episode, but it also helps to avoid recurrence of such episodes as well. This is important because if occurring regularly then these flare-ups can over time lead to deformity and eventually damage of the affected joints.

In severe cases homeopathic medicines can be given along with the conventional treatment for speedy recovery and better prognosis.

Common Homeopathic Remedies for RA

1. Apis Mellifica

It is indicated to treat RA flares where the affected joint gets excessively swollen or puffed up with stinging and burning pain, soreness, red- rosy hue. There is intolerance to heat and slightest touch and aggravation of the symptoms in the afternoon hours.

2. Bryonia Alba

It is indicated when the joints get red, hot and swollen with stitching and tearing pain. This pain tends to get worse on least movement and every spot of the affected part is painful on pressure. The patient as a person has thirst for large draughts of water.

3. Calcarea Carbonica

It is indicated to treat RA flares in patients who tend to be fat, fair and flabby. They perspire heavily despite being sensitive to cold. They have a jaded mental and physical state due to slightest work.

4. Ledum Palustre

It is especially suited to treat pain in the small joints. The joint gets swollen, hot and pale. The rheumatism begins in the lower limbs and then ascends. There is cracking in joints which gets worse from the warmth of the bed. Ankles are swollen and gets sprained easily. Soles are painful such that one can hardly step on them.

5. Rhus Toxicodendron

It is indicated when there is hot and painful swelling of joints, tendons, ligaments or fascia. Affected part gets stiff and paralyzed and there is relief from motion. The patient cannot tolerate cold fresh air as it makes the skin painful.

Also Read Defend Against Winter Cold & Cough Symptoms with Homeopathy

Conclusion

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that chiefly affects the joints. In addition to the usual disease activity, there are phases of Rheumatoid Arthritis exacerbation or RA flares where the signs and symptoms of the disease deteriorates. RA flare triggers are infections, emotional or physical stress, lack of sleep, weather changes especially cold and damp weather, after any changes in medication for Rheumatoid Arthritis or missing doses and poor diet or alcohol consumption. Key symptoms or warning signs of the RA flare are an increase in joint pain, swelling and tenderness than usual, morning stiffness of joints, fatigue even without much physical activity, low grade fever and chills and even changes in mood such as increased frustration, anxiety, depression and even forgetfulness and pain right before an episode of pain. Homeopathy has a significant role to play in managing these RA flares and can even remove the tendency for recurrence of such exacerbations. For prescription it is advised to refer to a trained physician rather than self-drugging at home.