Flare- ups

bosh
bosh Member Posts: 5,032
in Living with arthritis

Hi everyone. I’m experiencing a flare- up with my arthritic foot, I haven’t had one for about a year, when I had a blood test, the phlebotomist told me that her mum, who also has arthritis, sometimes has the same problem when the weather is humid, so basically I just found out accidentally, why had the doctor/ specialist nurse never mentioned this before? I must admit, some (not all) of the rheumatologists / rheumatology nurses are not very forthcoming with information. Does anyone else have similar problems? Thanks.

Comments

  • Bic1982
    Bic1982 Member Posts: 31

    Hi @bosh

    I'm sorry you are experiencing a flare up with your foot. I too experience flare ups when the humid weather hits. I think the trouble is with doctors and nurses is that everyone experience flare ups for different reasons and that it is so individual that they don't always know what is going to be helpful to inform you about. There is so much information out there!

    A lot of my information on flare ups has come from my own experience and taking notes when something feels different. Saying that though, it has taken me years to find ways to help myself and its all about trial and error, finding what works best for you.

    Hope you are able to find some relief asap!

    Anne

  • Lilymary
    Lilymary Member Posts: 1,750

    Atmospheric pressure does affect joints, if I remember correctly because it affects the fluid in the joints. I’ve always noticed it in my legs mostly, on both hot and cold humid conditions. I believe it is a recognised thing, but I suspect no one talks about it much as there’s not much you can do other than keep taking the pills or rest up till it passes. It is one of the reasons I always dress to keep my legs and feet warm, as it seems to make a big difference, it’s a rare event for anyone to get a glimpse of my ankles!

  • bosh
    bosh Member Posts: 5,032
    https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/681840#Comment_681840

    Thanks @Bic1982 that was very helpful advice, my flare up seems to be quite a manageable one so far luckily, but it’s always good to learn new information (I was scared I’d be back to square one, with my foot growing back to monstrous proportions like before, but thankfully that hasn’t happened yet).

  • bosh
    bosh Member Posts: 5,032
    https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/681843#Comment_681843

    Thanks @Lilymary that's very good to know, I also tend to wear sensible shoes and socks ( my sister is a heels and nylon tights kind of female, never really been my kind of thing, but at least she has the choice, lol.)

  • janie123
    janie123 Member Posts: 2

    hello xx omg I am having awful flare up in both hands. I have wide spread OA and 2 years ago when my husband sadly passed away I was so stressed I somehow developed RA. I seem to have flare ups often…. Things settle a little and I think oh great I’ll do something… then I pay for it hugely!
    My OT is fantastic and given me day and night splints to help and I just carry on taking a concoction of pills. It does definately seem far worse if it’s damp out. The pain is unbearable and I seem to sleep way more during flares. I really hope you find a way to help ease things. Keeping it warm does help but the OT said to use ice packs on swelling. Has anyone been given dmards? Not sure I know what they even are.
    Regards to everyone and hope you all find times when things are more comfy x

  • Messi
    Messi Member Posts: 1

    Have you asked your doctor about prednisolone for flares? I've recently had a bad flare triggered by a heavy cold a course of pred was like a miracle!

  • noddingtonpete
    noddingtonpete Moderator Posts: 1,239

    Hello @Messi and welcome to the Online Community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience as well.

    Please keep posting and let us know how you are progressing and if there is any thing we can help with please post it on here.

    Best wishes

    Peter

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on0800 5200 520Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,027

    HI @Messi absolutely steroids do appear to be a miracle drug although long term not so sadly or we'd all take them permanently!

    Lovely to meet you anyway just wanted to say hello👋

    Toni x

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