Arthritis flare-ups can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
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Overdoing an activity: This is the most common trigger of an osteoarthritis (OA) flare-up.
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Trauma to the joint: This can also trigger an OA flare-up.
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Bone spurs: These can be a trigger for OA flare-ups.
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Stress: Stress can trigger a flare-up in both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and OA.
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Repetitive motions: These can trigger an OA flare-up.
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Cold weather: Cold weather can be a trigger for OA flare-ups.
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Change in barometric pressure: This can be a trigger for OA flare-ups.
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Infection: An infection can trigger an OA flare-up.
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Weight gain: Weight gain can be a trigger for OA flare-ups.
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Food: While there is no proof that a specific food causes arthritis flares, some individuals may see a relationship between a certain food and flare.
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Alcohol: Alcohol can be a trigger for arthritis flare-ups.
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Other health conditions: Other health conditions can trigger arthritis flare-ups.
Its important to note that triggers themselves aren't actually the source of the pain, but rather they aggravate the underlying issues of the arthritis. Early treatment can help manage flare-ups, and treatment options may include medication changes, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.
