Do Arthritis Symptoms Come and Go?

Yes, arthritis symptoms can come and go, changing from day to day. Sometimes your pain or stiffness feels worse, and other times, it feels better. This pattern—where arthritis symptoms can come and go—is common for many people. In fact:

• Almost half of people with osteoarthritis notice that their symptoms can come and go.
• Many people with inflammatory arthritis experience “flares,” which are times when symptoms get worse. After these flares, pain can improve, showing how arthritis symptoms can come and go.

You may have heard some myths about arthritis, such as:

• Arthritis only affects older people.
• It always causes the same problems.
• Only joints hurt.
• Joint pain always means arthritis.
• Exercise will make symptoms worse.
• There are no treatments for arthritis.

Understanding that arthritis symptoms can come and go helps you manage them better. Remember, you are not alone in dealing with arthritis.

Key Takeaways

• Arthritis symptoms can be different each day. Some days you may feel okay. Other days you may have more pain and stiffness.
• Flares are times when symptoms get worse. Flares can last one day or many days. You may need new ways to manage them.
• Writing in a symptom diary helps you see patterns. This can help you find triggers. It can also help you talk to your doctor.
• Doing regular exercise and sleeping well can help. Easy activities like walking or swimming are good for you.
• Talk to your doctor if symptoms get worse or do not get better. Getting help early can make arthritis easier to manage.

Can Arthritis Symptoms Come and Go

Fluctuating Symptoms

Arthritis symptoms do not always stay the same. Sometimes you have more pain, swelling, or stiffness. Other times, you feel better and move easier.

This happens with many types of arthritis. If you wonder, “can arthritis symptoms come and go,” the answer is yes. Symptoms can change every day or even every hour.

Doctors know that some arthritis, like palindromic rheumatism, has symptoms that show up and then go away. You might have joint pain and swelling for a few hours or days. Then, the symptoms can disappear. Later, they might come back in other joints.

This on-and-off pattern also happens in gout and crystal-induced arthritis. If your symptoms go away and return, you are not alone. Many people have this cycle.

With rheumatoid arthritis, you may first notice swelling, pain, or stiffness in your joints. These symptoms can start slowly or very fast. Sometimes, you feel tired or sick before your joints hurt. The strength of these symptoms can change. Some days, you feel almost normal. Other days, you have pain and feel tired. This makes it hard to plan your day.

 

Try keeping a symptom diary. Write down when your symptoms get worse or better. This can help your doctor see your pattern and choose the best treatment.

What Are Flares

A flare is when your arthritis symptoms suddenly get worse. You might feel more pain, stiffness, or swelling than usual.

Flares can last a day or two, or even longer. During a flare, moving or doing normal things can be hard. You might also feel more tired or worried.

Doctors say flares happen because your body’s inflammation changes. For example, in rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system can get more active. This causes more swelling and pain. Flares can be strong or mild, last a short or long time, and happen often or not. With the right treatment, most flares will get better.

Osteoarthritis can also cause flares. You may feel more pain, swelling, or stiffness, especially after using your joints a lot. Moving can be harder during these times. Your usual medicine might not help as much. Doctors and patients use special tools and questions to see how bad a flare is and how it affects your life.

Here is a table that shows some differences between flares in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis:

You might ask, “can arthritis symptoms come and go” during flares. The answer is yes. Flares show how symptoms can change quickly. You may feel fine one day and have a flare the next. This can happen in both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Some people notice their symptoms move from one joint to another. Others feel tired or sad when symptoms get worse.

These feelings are also part of living with arthritis. You may feel unsure about what will happen next. Knowing that flares are normal can help you get ready.

If you have flares often or they are very bad, talk to your doctor. They can help you manage your symptoms and feel better.

If you ask, “can arthritis symptoms come and go,” remember many people have these ups and downs. Keeping track of your symptoms and learning about flares can help you handle your arthritis.

Types of Arthritis with Fluctuating Symptoms

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis can change a lot. Some days, your joints hurt and feel stiff. Other days, you move without much pain.

RA does not always stay the same. Your symptoms and the disease can change over time. You may feel good for a while, then have a flare.

RA affects many joints in your body. It can cause pain in different places. Many people ask, “can arthritis symptoms come and go?” Most people with RA say their symptoms change often.

Studies show:

Finding RA early helps you feel better. Doctors say early treatment slows RA and lowers flares. Getting help quickly protects your joints and helps you feel good.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis also has symptoms that change. You may feel pain and stiffness after moving. Sometimes, you feel better when you rest.

OA usually affects fewer joints than RA. The symptoms can still change from day to day. Some days, walking is easy. Other days, your knees or hips hurt.

Write down your symptoms and what you do. This helps you see what makes your OA better or worse.

Palindromic and Reactive Arthritis

Palindromic rheumatism and reactive arthritis can come and go. You may have joint pain and swelling for hours or days. Then, you feel fine again. Over 40% of people with early RA have these on-and-off symptoms before diagnosis.

Palindromic rheumatism is not as common as RA. It happens more often than many think. A Canadian study found one new case of palindromic rheumatism for every 1.8 cases of RA in two years.

• Palindromic rheumatism can turn into RA in about one out of three people.
• Reactive arthritis can also cause symptoms that come and go, often after an infection.

You may feel confused when your symptoms go away and then come back. Keeping a diary and talking to your doctor can help you understand your symptoms.

Causes of Symptom Changes

Triggers

Some things can make your arthritis symptoms better or worse. These things are called triggers. Many people feel better when they exercise and sleep well.

Certain foods can also change how you feel. Eating blueberries or fish may help you feel less pain. Sugary soda and desserts can make pain worse. You might stay away from foods that hurt your joints.

• Regular exercise helps 83.7% of people with rheumatoid arthritis feel better.
• Good sleep helps 86.5% of people feel better.
• About 24% of people say at least one food changes their symptoms.
• Blueberries and fish often help people feel better.
• Sugary drinks and desserts often make symptoms worse.
• Nearly a quarter of people avoid some foods because of their effects.

Try to write down what you eat, how you sleep, and your activities. This can help you see what makes your symptoms better or worse.

Activity and Rest

Moving your body helps your joints stay strong and flexible. Walking, swimming, or yoga are good low-impact exercises. These can make your muscles stronger and may lower the number of flares.

If you exercise safely and do not overdo it, you usually will not have more flares. When your symptoms get worse, you need to rest. Do not do hard activities during a flare. Resting helps your joints heal.

You should balance moving and resting by paying attention to your body. On good days, gentle movement is helpful. On bad days, rest helps you recover.

Weather and Lifestyle

Weather can change your arthritis symptoms. Many people feel more pain and stiffness when it is humid or when air pressure goes up.

Cold weather can also make symptoms worse. Studies show pain gets worse with more humidity, lower air pressure, and strong winds.

Your lifestyle is important too. Eating foods with polyunsaturated fats, vitamin D, and probiotics can help your joints. Smoking, being overweight, and stress can make symptoms worse.

Stress for a long time raises inflammation in your body. Getting enough sleep and help from friends or family can help you feel better.

Even small changes in your daily habits can help you feel better with arthritis.

Managing Flare-Ups

Recognizing a Flare

You might notice a flare when your joints hurt more than usual. Sometimes, your joints feel stiff or swollen. You may feel very tired or have trouble moving. These changes can happen fast.

Your joints might look red or feel warm. Flares can last for hours or even days. Keeping a diary of your symptoms helps you see patterns and get ready for hard days.

If both sides of your body hurt or swell, pay attention. Feeling tired and swollen joints often means your arthritis is flaring up.

Relief Strategies

There are ways to feel better during a flare. Try these ideas:

• Do gentle exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga.
• Use heat packs to help stiff joints or cold packs for swelling.
• Rest when you feel tired.
• Lower stress with deep breathing or meditation.
• Eat foods like fish and leafy greens to fight inflammation.
• Stay away from foods and things that make symptoms worse.
• Keep a healthy weight to help your joints.
• Use braces or canes if you need extra support.

You might also need medicine for pain and swelling. Here are some common choices:

Sleeping well helps your body heal during a flare. Try not to use caffeine or electronics before bed.

When to Get Help

Sometimes, you should see a doctor for your arthritis. If your pain does not get better or you have swelling, warmth, or tiredness that stays, talk to a healthcare provider.

Ask for help if you have questions about your medicine or if your symptoms keep getting worse.

Do not ignore new or bad symptoms. Getting help early can protect your joints and help you feel better.

You may notice your arthritis symptoms change from day to day. This is normal. Tracking your symptoms helps you spot triggers and patterns. Try these steps:

1. Use a pain journal to record pain, stiffness, and what affects them.
2. Track daily activities and how they relate to your symptoms.
3. Monitor your stress and emotions.

Staying active, practicing self-care, and talking with your healthcare provider can help you manage flares. With support and good habits, you can handle the ups and downs of arthritis and protect your joints for the future.

FAQ

Can arthritis symptoms go away completely?

Most arthritis symptoms can improve, but they rarely disappear forever. You may have days with little or no pain. Staying active and following your treatment plan helps you feel better.

Tip: Track your good days and share them with your doctor.

What should you do when symptoms suddenly get worse?

Rest your joints and use heat or cold packs. Take your medicine as directed. If pain or swelling does not improve, call your doctor.

• Try gentle stretching.
• Avoid heavy lifting.

Does weather really affect arthritis symptoms?

Many people notice more pain when it is cold, rainy, or humid. Scientists found that weather changes can make symptoms worse for some people. You may feel better in warm, dry weather.

Can you prevent arthritis flares?

You cannot stop all flares, but you can lower your risk. Eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. Avoid triggers like stress and certain foods.

Keeping a symptom diary helps you spot patterns and prevent future flares.