A flare is a temporary but noticeable worsening of arthritis symptoms — more pain, swelling, stiffness, fatigue and sometimes fever — often lasting days to weeks. In inflammatory arthritis, flares reflect a spike in immune activity and may need a short course of steroids or a treatment change. In osteoarthritis, they are usually triggered by overload, injury or weather changes. Keeping a simple flare plan (pacing, gentle movement, cold/heat, pain relief and when to contact your team) is one of the most useful self-management tools.
What is flare?
Flare: A flare is a sudden or gradual worsening of arthritis symptoms — more pain, stiffness, swelling and fatigue — lasting days to weeks. Common triggers: stress, illness, over-exertion, weather changes, missed medication. Have a written flare plan agreed with your rheumatology team.
Last updated 2026-07-04. This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.