Question
To me a flare is when I can’t get out of bed because I can’t walk, can’t dress myself and crying in pain. I have pain and stiffness every day that stops me from doing somethings. I would love to be pain free. I think that some pain is normal when you have RA. What is considered a flare? Is just an increase in pain and swelling considered a flare. If that is the case that happens to me atleast once a week.
Answer
When commonly used, the definition of “flare” is subjective. In clinical studies, a flare is often defined by a set increase in the number of swollen and tender joints, increase in pain on a scale of 1-10 and an increase in inflammatory markers.
