If you have a chronic illness, such as Psoriatic Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, etc., you may have heard the term “flare” mentioned. But what is a flare?
A flare is when your chronic illness symptoms are significantly higher than is typical “for you” on a daily basis. I’ll use my psoriatic arthritis (PsA) as an example. My biologic keeps my PsA well controlled, although I still have some pain, stiffness, and swelling, I am able to function in day-to-day life. (Maybe not well, but I can basically function.)
When I have a flare (which isn’t often) my fingers become so stiff and swollen that I cannot pick up a pen, dial my phone, hold my phone, or use my computer mouse. In a flare, my back stiffens to the point I am basically unable to get out of bed or walk.
When having a flare, I contact my rheumatologist for additional medication (such as a prednisone taper) or my pain management doctor for additional medication (such as strong muscle relaxers or oxy or morphine to help deal with the extreme pain.) Technically, to be a flare, the pain or immobility of whatever joints or body parts are involved has to be significantly more than your day-to-day pain or immobility.
