Flare-ups, can they be stopped? | Arthritis Information

Hello,
I've had PsA for 6 year now (since I was 35). I am currently receiving the maximum dosage of Remicade every 6 weeks, but sometimes I still get flare-ups. For instance: I started getting a cramp like feeling in my foot, from my ankle to my toes, about three days ago. Today, it is almost impossible to walk on. Is there anything to help halt the progression of a flare, and what can be done to get rid of it?

Thanx

Current Meds:
Remicade
Arava 10mg
Ibuprofen 800mg (when needed)
Cramplike? Hmmmm, are you sure it's not something other than PsA? I've had PsA a long time and wouldn't describe any of my pain as cramplike.

Are you on any new drug that might have an effect on muscle tissue?

Well, maybe that was not the correct comparison. Back when I played hockey, on occasion I would get deep muscle cramps. The pain in the foot feels similar to that, but it cant be pulled/stretched out. When I try walking on it, the pain goes through the roof. May I ask, could you describe what your flare-ups feel like? Maybe I have something else going on. I just assumed it was the PsA.
And no, no new meds in the last year.
Sidebite2010-11-17 20:55:54When I think of cramps I think of a joint or muscle being stretched out of position with deep pain.

My flare ups include the following:

~ very warm to the touch

~ limit my range of motion [due to the swelling and inflammation]

~ cause pain when I'm pulling a t-shirt on [if my shoulders are flaring]

~ cause weakness and instability in my knees [when my knees are flaring]

I think if 1000 people answered your question, you'd get 1000 answers.

I do take NSAIDS [Celebrex] and that quells quite a bit of the pain. But even if I didn't take NSAIDS, I doubt the pain would be sharp or through the roof. At least that's my experience with flare-ups. Hard to describe. Mine's more like a flat pain, if that makes any sense.

I asked if you were taking other drugs because certain quinalones [e.g. Cipro, antibiotic] may cause tendinitis and cause rupture of tendons.

All the studies show that patients do better on a combination of anti-TNF and Methotrexate. Have you discussed this with your doctor?

I'm not a doctor but it just seems to me that if your pain is sharp, maybe it's something else going on.

Thanx for your replies Sam.
On Thurs. I had my Remicade infusion, while that was going on I spoke to the Doc, and he added Methylprednisolone (Medrol) to the infusion. When I woke up Friday I felt like I was 20 years old again. But today (Saturday) Im starting to feel tight again in the foot....ugh. On one good note; I got a letter from Mayo saying that I got accepted (was denied twice before) and they gave me an appointment for Jan. 11th. Maybe they can find something else...just gotta keep trying, right?
Thanx again
You must keep touch, Sidebite. I just discussed Remicade with my doctor and they're in the process of getting insurance approval for me. The feeling of "getting tight again in the foot" - you mean swelling? Is that a side effect?

Oh yes, and why did you choose Remicade over another anti-TNF? I chose it because I travel quite a bit on business and refrigeration is not always available.

Good luck!

Sam12342010-11-26 12:00:17 [QUOTE=Sam1234]You must keep touch, Sidebite. I just discussed Remicade with my doctor and they're in the process of getting insurance approval for me. The feeling of "getting tight again in the foot" - you mean swelling? Is that a side effect? Sounds like you had a good run for the money. Maybe try Enbrel for a year and then back on the Remicade?

Do you have osteoarthritis in additon to PsA? [I do, and I believe that's the pain I associate with wet or cold weather.]