Avoid Pinful Flare Ups from Arthritis

Question: How can I avoid flare-ups of arthritis pain?

Although arthritis will sometimes flare up for no known reason, a patient can often identify a triggering activity, according to Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D., in Arthritis Answers from the Experts.

While it is important for all patients with arthritis to get adequate daily exercise and to comply with their treatment regimens, they should avoid excessive stresses on the involved joints. Be sure to warm up before exercise, and to take rest periods when engaging in heavy or repetitive work. Many patients with arthritis tend to stiffen up after periods of inactivity, so be sure to break up long car rides with a short walk and allow yourself extra time for stretching and exercising each day.

Get more expert advice in the Arthritis Q&A.