What sets off a flare? | Arthritis Information

I'm curious. I know that if:

I don't get enough rest and sleep

I do too much

I get stressed - I will have a flair, but

does anyone else have this problem - if the air conditioning is running in buildings or if the ceiling fan is running and my joints are hit by the flow of air, especially my knees if wearing shorts, I will go into pain mode.

Does this happen to anyone else? Plus, I'm wondering if the heating pad helps you because it sure helps me.

Fortunately I don't swell so I don't use ice and in fact, ice would probably set me off, but that heating pad is a God send.

I understand people move to the southwest because it's better for their arthritis but I'm thinking I should move where it's cold so the heater will be on all the time. I'm just wondering if I'm extra weird or if others experience the same thing.

Cristene, I cannot handle air conditioning straight on me. I noticed that in the car, I have to turn the air away from me. If it blows on my knees, they just throb. I have not used heating pads, it has been too hot, but I do notice that cool water helps me only when I am swollen. I think you are right - obvious swelling then cold is good for it and deep down pain - heat. I should try a heating pad on my hips. IT WOULD HAVE TO BE ONE BIG HEATING PAD

Roxy, I'm looking for a body size heating pad. Unfortunately when we were moving last year it was very physical so I had a big flair up and left the heating pad between my knees overnight (very stupid). I thought I would feel it when it got too hot but I didn't and woke up the next morning with burns. I have a scar now because of it. I knew I should do it, but I did and paid the price. I don't do it anymore but I sure still love that heating pad. I use mineral ice now instead of ben gay and love it also.

I love heat too.

I use a rice pack (rice sewed into a cotton hand towel) heat in micro for 2 minutes. Doesn't sneak the heat up when you are sleeping and burn you - so OK to take to bed. Holds some heat for very long time.

I wonder if an electric blanket would help? I am fortunate to have the Hot Tub, there is nothing better than soaking in 102 degree water with jets pounding my legs and back, but, I'll probably need something more in the Winter when it's snowing, etc.. and I can't go onto the deck to soak

Feeling good and then over doing it.

Change in barometric pressure - ya the weather!

Sometimes no known reason, just 'cause. Hate that one. I want to be in charge.Lots will send me into a flare...more with fibro than anything...but the cold air directly on my joints causes immediate pain and stiffness. Yet, I can't handel extremely hot air either. It definitely makes my muscles just feel icky...hard to describe it. These lows sitting off of the east coast are killing me. my hands and elbows never hurt..so imagine my surprise this morning when i woke up feeling like my hands and elbows had been beaten by a bat or something.

I can't handle the hot air either. I wish I could afford to live in Hawaii. I hate it when something new starts to hurt. It is such a bummer!wish i had a hot tub to soak in Hello everybody,

   Its sure been along time since i have been in the room so I was checking out the message board and i see that like I others are getting alot of help from heating pads and hot tubs for me I live in a apartmant or I sure would have another on but what my wife got for me years ago was a tiny bubbles mat that goes in the tub and wow alot of days theres nothing I able to do but soak in the very hott bubbles it does help me alot the one she got was a homedic so some of you might want to check it out good luck


    We just sold my hubby's hot tub last weekend

whomever said move somewhere cold...noooo, stay where it's warm. The cold is never good, as for causing a flare, I dont think so, it just makes us feel our arthritis more. Now humidity....I can't stand it, legs feel heavy, feet swell...and not to mention you just feel gross. In the Spring it rains a lot..no good. Now Fall is beautiful, not too much pain there, a lot of high pressure and that is good...I wish it could be fall all year (minus the cold rain at times)

Now my biggest love (potato chips) definately cause flares when eaten too much

I find stress and fatigue to be the biggest causes of flares. I try to keep them to a minimum..but heck, that is life at times.

I find exercise keeps the flares to background noise and that I can definately live with. I'm sure I'll learn more or even change my opinions as I roll along with this..lol

Jackie.

I have to agree with the cold air thing. I have noticed that it makes my arms and shoulders ache worse when my AC is on in my car. What does not make sense to me is that while heat seems to help everyone else, the very first flare I had got worse with a hot bath.

I don't know what does it for me - nothing most of the time - I just flare up in a matter of 2 hours which then lasts usually 3 days but im into my thrid week of all over body flare at moment - but think its after birth of my son 8 weeks ago.

Heat and Ice both aggravate it for me - just complete bed rest is the only healer for me i find.

It kils me to do it but the only thing that heals it is to lay and not move at all for a whole day and night and feel much better then.

[QUOTE=cristene]Hot tub. A must for those with RA. Now if I could only afford one. [/QUOTE]

I agree....our hot tub does wonders for me.

When the barometer drops, the pain comes.

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