wow..sorry you fell and glad you didn't hurt anything.
I do know that undo stress on your body can cause a flare.
Has happened to me way too many times.

Hugs,
Missy

Sorry about your fall!! That is scary, glad it's nothing serious!

Any stress as Missy says can bring on a flare. Just keep an eye on things...

Are you having trouble walking due to the RA? I've been using a cane for 6 months now - mostly when out and about - in a store, parking lot, wide spaces, as I have neuropathy in both feet and feel unsteady on my feet all the time. It is helpful for me to use it, maybe you can consider it? I don't know your situation but it could be helpful!

Thanks for your input Missy & Marie. I am very fortunate in that I have had minimal progression since I was diagnosed in 2004. I really am still trying to figure out what causes flairs as there seems to be no common denominator. I do seem to be "clumsy" from time to time and have not considered this to be a sympton of RA before now. I will keep all this in mind.

I am sorry this fall occured, although happy you seem to be okay. I think a fall is only a detriment if you injure yourself during that fall. Any injury to the joints or ligaments opens us up to being prone to those becming trouble spots. I am not a doctor so I am only guessing on the opinion I just gave. I hve found over the years I have had some issues with my ankles or knees giving way, but thankfully have not caused any long term issues of any kind as a result.

Sorry to hear about your fall! I hope no serious damage. I agree about stress being a factor. I will say that falling can cause damage that you may think is RA. That happened to me. I tripped - didn't quite fall, but managed to tear cartalidge in my knee. Thought nothing of it - thought it was the RA. Turns out after MRI and arthoscopic surgery it wasn't the RA at all! I share this so folks don't assume that all pain is RA related. Sometimes a fall can cause it's own problems. Take care, Lisa

Up until last year, my arthritis had stayed pretty much in my knees, ankles and feet with just occasional shoulder problems. I almost went head first down the stairs and grabbed the handrail, pulling my shoulder pretty good. The shoulder flared and has bothered me ever since (even though it has no real damage).

A few weeks ago my legs didn't do what I told them to and I fell in the garage, bruising a couple of ribs and landing hard on my good shoulder. No permanent damage but now both of my shoulders flare.

Seems like RA attacks my weakest spots and I provided a couple more for it to play with.

:(