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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

How long can I expect my first flair-up to last? It's been 6 weeks and counting.

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Yakima, WA

More info: first notices a stiff knee around the first of January. I was diagnosed with RA January 12, 2026 and was given a 5 day run of steroids (20mg) and things felt pretty good until the 5 days were up and here comes the night fever and puffy hands/feet and stiff joints. Went back to the doc got a second 5 day run of steroids (40mg) and all was good until it was over. However, after the second run of steroids my feet don't seem to swell that much but i still have oven mitt hands. I do… read more

February 10
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Reactions
A myRAteam Member

Prednisone has broken down my joints so bad. I have been on it for 10+ years but they are trying to get me off of it. Now I’m trying a new treatment called actemra which is a once a month infusion that seems to be helping more! I highly recommend it. My inflammation factors have gone way down since being on it.

February 11
A myRAteam Member

I needed Prednisone for quite a while as I was constantly flaring. It took a good year & a half for my Rheumatologist to get me on the right cocktail of meds. I haven't needed Prednisone since the end of September 2025.

February 18
A myRAteam Member

Prednisone works temporarily but long term can effect your joints an break thm down. If your on a medication to slow progression down tht is good. I was on prednisone for years an am in bad shape.im now on humira shot tht helps my ra

February 11
A myRAteam Member

Hi there. It may not be a flare up it may just be untreated rheumatoid arthritis. It doesn't sound like you are on medications for RA yet, correct? Steroids can provide temporary relief until you are properly medicated. Do you have a rheumatologist yet? It won't be this bad forever. Hang in there. Find a good rheumatologist, get some meds and feel better soon! In the meantime, heat and/or ice may help the pain. Warm baths or showers may help. Heating pads and electric blankets may help somewhat. Compression gloves may help hand pain. Topical creams, lotions and roll on pain relief concoctions may provide some relief. Hugs.

February 11
myRAteam

How long can you expect your first RA flare-up to last?

RA flares can vary significantly in length from person to person. They can last anywhere from hours to days, or even weeks. The duration depends on factors like your overall health, what's triggering the flare, and your treatment plan.

Some myRAteam members have Show Full Answer

How long can you expect your first RA flare-up to last?

RA flares can vary significantly in length from person to person. They can last anywhere from hours to days, or even weeks. The duration depends on factors like your overall health, what's triggering the flare, and your treatment plan.

Some myRAteam members have shared their experiences:
* Flares lasting a few days to weeks, depending on the cause
* Flares occurring every four to six weeks and lasting about four to six days
* Flares lasting about seven to 10 days

Your situation at six weeks is on the longer side, especially since the steroids provided only temporary relief. This pattern suggests your inflammation isn't fully controlled yet. The good news is you have a rheumatologist appointment in seven days. This is important because short courses of steroids provide temporary relief but don't address the underlying disease activity. Your rheumatologist will likely start you on disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which work to control inflammation long-term and slow disease progression.

Until your appointment, if your symptoms worsen or become unmanageable, don't hesitate to contact your doctor. Leaving flares untreated can increase the risk of joint damage.

Hang in there - getting established with a rheumatologist and starting the right treatment plan should help get your symptoms under better control.

February 10

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