Dawnmichelle, some ideas - heating pad and/or a heated blanket? Ice pack? Shower or Epsom salt bath? Topical ointments? Do you take any NSAIDs? Just spitballing here.

Hi Dawnmichelle! When I get rib pain I know it's an immediate RA flare. And, yes, when I get home from wherever, I, too, can't wear anything with a closure--under garments, pants, jackets, and sometimes my sneakers. I try not to take prednisone because it contributes to an awful case of osteoporosis. I use a small bead pack that I zap in the microwave, wrap it in a dry towel and use it gently on my ribcage. It works well for me. I hope your flare clears up quickly. Marion :)

Hi Debi64, thankfully no, it doesn’t hurt to breathe deeply. They hurt to touch and feel warm. I can tell they are inflamed ;-(

That's hard! Does it hurt to breath in deeply too? Hope you can rest and feel stronger.

Hi Dawn I also experience the same problem two weeks back I was not aware that maybe it's arthritis I thought maybe something hit me unaware it was so hurting I couldnt even breath properly let alone to sleep on side.Thank you for making me aware