Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

2,179 Members
16,355 Posts
0 Online
Muscles & Bones
/ Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

After-effects of a flare

melissaenderle
melissaenderle
The flare that I've had for nearly three weeks is finally waning. The elbow and wrist joints which were particularly painful now feel different - as if they aren't as flexible, and that there is some sort of resistance. They also feel weaker. It's also very tender around the elbow joint.

Has anyone experienced similar symptoms and what do they signify?

How would this and/or a lessening of flare pain affect one's discussion to the Dr. about trying biologics?

Thanks for your advice.
deleted_user
deleted_user
When I'm flaring my knuckles look like cherry tomatoes (HUGE)
When the flare subsides they look like brass knuckles. My grnadkids
laugh and say "Gram you could knock out Superman with those fists"
Lovely picture.....Hugh!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm not sure, but it could be synovial fluid accumulation. It makes my knees very stiff and painful, especially if I rub a squishy spot (this is fluid) The weakness could be from not being able to do much for three weeks, or it mayjust fell that way because the fluid is making everything tight and stiff.
I don't know how it would affect you and your doctors discussion to try biologics, but I would definitly mention it.
Best of Luck!
melissaenderle
melissaenderle
Thanks, Inkjoy. It could be either under or overuse. I do a lot of typing and other computer work. There definitely is some stiffness - my left fingers don't always hit the keys (or feel clunky).

The Dr added lefudamide (sp) three weeks ago. How does one know if it's the medicine that has taken effect, or does a flare start to diminish by itself?