what do i do when i a flare up?

I understand your pain, literally!  Of course many different things work for many different people, but I would be glad to tell you some of the things that work for me.  Hot baths help.  I know it may sound cheesy, but sometimes I will take up to 5 or 6 of them a day and as hot as I can handle them.  Some people say ice helps them, but for me it has always been heat.  Heating pads have always helped me with throbbing joints.  I use the bean bag kind that you put in the microwave because you can wrap them around and they will mold to you.  I also use a lot of braces.  I use arthritis gloves for the swelling and the throbbing in my hands, and they work wonderfully.  Unfortunately I always have to buy mine online because I have never been able to find them  in a store.  But I use ace bandages for my elbows, wrists, and ankles.  I also use the knee braces for my knees.  All these things really help me.  Of course they don't make my pain going away, but they sure help me deal!  If you are in a flare always remember to let your rheumatologist know as he may want to raise your steroid dosage for a while.  I hope this helps!  I wish you relief soon!  Good luck, and best wishes!

Hi!

Well what works for some doesnt work fo rothers but here is what i do when it gets tough.

Hot bath or sit in a hot tub (sauna)

Heat packs where its worse

Keep all appendages nice and cozy warm

I have severe RA everywhere, it hard when flare days come about. My favorite thing is to sit in the tub with piping hot water, makes me woozy after but it helps me a lot. (just do the temp to what you can handle) I also suggested a suana because I do something similar (but a lot of prayer is involved, Im Native from SD) and believe it me it makes me feel really good for about 2 days.

Just thought i'd give ya a few suggestions, if heat works for you thse may work also. Be strong and keep refering to this site it helps me out tremendously when my RA starts to stress me. Good Luck and let me know if it helped ya!