What Causes Arthritis Flare-Ups?

Runner crouching on a track holding their knee
Runner holding their knee

An arthritis flare-up is a sudden and temporary increase in arthritic symptoms. This condition affects the cartilage in your joints. This is the slippery tissue at the ends of bones that cushion and protect the joints. When your joints are healthy, cartilage allows bones to move smoothly. However, arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis causes the cartilage to wear away. This causes the bones to rub together, leading to pain, inflammation and stiffness.

Arthritis is a broad term for pain, tenderness, or inflammation in a particular joint (or joints). The three most common types of arthritis are:
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – when your immune system attacks the structure of your joint
  • Osteoarthritis (OA)– wear and tear damage that breaks down the cushion in your joint
  • Gout – when sharp crystals form and deposit in a joint
An arthritis flare-up can result from several different factors. Most commonly, these factors include injury, stress, or a change in the weather.

What Causes a Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare-up?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease where the body attacks its own tissues, particularly the tissues of the joints. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints. When RA affects the synovial membrane (the lining of a joint) it causes swelling, pain, and eventually erosion of the bone material underneath. Over time, the erosion of the bone material can cause a severe deformation of the joints. This may result in permanent physical disabilities and chronic pain. When you are under an increase in stress, whether mentally or physically, your body is less equipped to handle the inflammation caused by your condition. Changes in the weather, such as rain, are often accompanied by changes in air pressure. This change is thought to affect the pressure within your joints. Thereby making any underlying inflammation or swelling feel more painful. While we can not control the weather, there are methods to lower stress levels. These include getting proper sleep, staying positive, exercise, and a healthy diet. And, when you have an RA flare-up you can also use a cold compress on the joint, which many people find calming.

What Causes an Osteoarthritis Flare-up?

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It Is the "wear and tear" type of damage that affects the cartilage in your joints. OA becomes more prevalent as we age. Unfortunately, it is not completely clear what triggers osteoarthritis flare-ups. However, a primary contributor is overuse of the affected joint. This may either be due to repetitive actions or prolonged activities without enough rest. Dehydration may also contribute. So it is important to stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. To lower the chance of an osteoarthritis flare-up, make sure you are not overworking a sore joint. And, if you do experience an OA flare-up, many people find a warming pad or warm compress makes the joint feel better. A daily joint supplement may also be part of your routine. Just giving the joint some rest may also do the trick.

What Causes a Gout Flare-up?

Gout is a type of arthritis that can flare up suddenly and severely. Gout occurs as a result of having high levels of uric acid, which makes it easier for urate crystals to form. These sharp crystals can deposit in your joints, causing inflammation, swelling, and pain. The most common trigger of gout is eating purine-rich foods. This is since high levels of purines can increase the amount of uric acid in your bloodstream. Gout-sufferers can help avoid flare-ups by avoiding foods rich in purines. These foods include red meat, liver, shellfish, alcohol, high fructose fruits, asparagus, and fatty dairy products. Similar to a rheumatoid arthritis flare-up, many people use a cold compress on the affected joint during a gout flare-up. Talk with your doctor about the right plan for you.

How Flexcin Supports Everyday Joint Comfort

There is not a cure for arthritis. However, doctors have a number of ways to help people manage the symptoms. Most medical care aims for remission, where the patient has few or no symptoms. When care begins early in the disease process, this can help minimize or slow damage to the joints and improve the quality of life for patients. A typical plan involves a combination of medication, exercise, rest, and protecting the joints. A well-made joint supplement is formulated to support everyday joint comfort and mobility. Flexcin is a joint support supplement made with all-natural ingredients. It is highly reviewed and has a reputation for good manufacturing practices. If your joints feel stiff or achy from time to time, adding a daily joint supplement to your routine may be worth considering. Many people make Flexcin part of their overall approach to keeping their joints comfortable and moving well. The Flexcin formula contains all-natural ingredients: CM8, Glucosamine Sulfate Potassium, Hydrolyzed Collagen Type II, MSM, Bromelain, Vitamin C, Manganese, Zinc, and an enzyme blend. These ingredients have been studied for their role in supporting a healthy inflammatory response, everyday joint comfort, and overall wellness. Many of our customers tell us Flexcin is their go-to joint support supplement. Flexcin is proudly made in the USA in an FDA-registered facility. The ingredients are chosen to help support joint lubrication, a healthy inflammatory response, and cartilage and joint structure. And, we offer it at a no-risk 90-day trial. If you try Flexcin and are unsatisfied with the results after taking it for three months, simply return the empty bottles for a full refund less shipping and handling.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results vary. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement.