PainRednessWarmthSwellingStiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity

You may experience periods of time when your symptoms worsen — called flares — and periods where they seem to fade or even disappear. However, in these periods of remission, you still have RA — RA is a lifelong condition and currently cannot be cured. An RA flare indicates that your immune system is attacking your body more than usual. The reason for this is often unknown, but common triggers include stress, infection, and overexertion. How long will a flare last and how severe will your symptoms be? The truth is, it can vary from person to person and even from flare to flare. During flares, you may need to work with your doctor to adjust your treatment plan to reduce inflammation and get your symptoms under control.