Answer Summary

Members shared a wide range of early warning signs that signal an approaching flare, with the most common being fever-like sensations, extreme... Read more

Members shared a wide range of early warning signs that signal an approaching flare, with the most common being fever-like sensations, extreme fatigue, stress, tingling or popping in the joints, and unusual cravings for warmth like holding hands under hot water or taking long showers. Several members described environmental triggers including pesticides, chemicals, paint, strenuous lifting, overactivity, and poor sleep that can set off a flare, while others mentioned physical clues like split lips, lock jaw, numbness in hands, and red hot swollen joints appearing suddenly. A recurring theme was the learning curve of listening to your body more carefully over time, recognizing personal patterns and triggers that may have once been dismissed as something else, and the exhausting cycle of trying to push through symptoms only to make things worse.