Managing Arthritis Flare-Ups: Tips to Ease Pain and Live Fully
November 19, 2025From joint-friendly movement to medication and daily habits, here’s how to better manage arthritis and maintain your independence and quality of life.
Living with arthritis means navigating ups and downs, days when your joints feel stiff or swollen, and days when simple tasks feel like a challenge. But with the right care, small adjustments, and consistent support, it is possible to live fully and do more of what you love.
Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or you’ve been managing arthritis for years, we’re here to help you find comfort, confidence, and control.
What Is an Arthritis Flare-Up?
An arthritis flare-up is a period when symptoms suddenly worsen. You may feel:
- Increased joint pain or swelling
- Morning stiffness that lasts longer than usual
- Fatigue or low energy
- Redness or warmth around joints
Flare-ups can be triggered by stress, weather changes, overuse of a joint, or even certain foods. The good news? You can take steps to reduce their frequency and ease the discomfort when they do happen.
Tips to Ease Pain During a Flare-Up
When symptoms flare, gentle care can go a long way. Try:
- Resting the affected joint – Give your body time to recover.
- Applying heat or cold – Heat helps relax stiff joints; cold reduces swelling.
- Taking prescribed medications – Anti-inflammatories or DMARDs can help reduce inflammation and protect joint health.
- Staying hydrated and nourished – Some people find that flare-ups are worse when they are dehydrated or undernourished.
It’s always a good idea to keep a symptom journal. Tracking what you ate, did, or experienced before a flare can help you and your provider identify patterns.
Movement That Makes a Difference
While it may seem counterintuitive, gentle and regular movement is one of the best ways to manage arthritis.
Consider:
- Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling
- Joint-friendly strength training with resistance bands or light weights
- Range-of-motion exercises and stretching routines
- Working with a physical or occupational therapist
Movement helps reduce stiffness, strengthens muscles around your joints, and improves overall function. The key is to listen to your body, start slow, and modify as needed.
Daily Habits That Support Joint Health
A few simple lifestyle adjustments can make a big difference in managing arthritis long-term:
- Maintain a healthy weight – Less strain on joints means less pain.
- Eat anti-inflammatory foods – Leafy greens, berries, omega-3s, and whole grains are great choices.
- Protect your joints – Use tools or braces to reduce strain during daily tasks.
- Stay social and mentally active – Isolation can worsen chronic conditions. Stay connected, even if it’s virtual.
- Keep your care team close – Regular check-ins with your provider help you stay ahead of symptoms.
Support Is Close to Home
St. Mary’s Health Care System offers arthritis support across several locations, so whether you need a primary care provider, a rheumatologist, physical therapy, or orthopedic care, we’re here to help.
From diagnosis to treatment to rehabilitation, our community-focused approach means you’ll find high-level care and higher-level caring right where you live.
- Athens Internal Medicine Associates – Athens
- Community Internal Medicine of Athens – Athens
- Georgia Family Medicine – Watkinsville
- Good Samaritan Primary Care – Greater Greene County area
- Sacred Heart Primary Care – Greater Franklin County area
- St. Mary's Family Medicine – Bogart
- St. Mary’s Internal Medicine Associates – Watkinsville/Oconee
- St. Mary’s Internal Medicine Associates on Chase – North Athens/Jackson/Madison
- St. Mary's Primary Care – Athens