If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you'll be all too familiar with painful flares, which can come and go seemingly out of the blue.
Researchers aren't sure what causes them, but suspect the following may trigger a flare-up (and knowing your trigger can help prevent them in the first place):
• An illness of infection, such as the flu
• A change in medication
• Forgetting to take your medication
• A high period of stress
• Overexertion and fatigue
• Pregnancy
Read more about arthritis and exercise.