During rheumatoid arthritis flares, what is recommended?

• A. Increase resistance during flares
• B. Reduce load during flares and monitor fatigue
• C. Avoid ROM entirely
• D. Exercise with high volume regardless of symptoms

Answer: (B)

During a rheumatoid arthritis flare, joints are inflamed and energy is limited, so the focus is on protecting the joints while staying as active as tolerable. Reducing the load on the joints and monitoring fatigue is the best approach. This means using lighter resistance, shorter or easier sessions, and gentler movements that keep the joints moving without provoking pain or swelling. Keep ROM gentle and pain-free to maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness, rather than avoiding movement altogether. If symptoms worsen, scale back further and allow for more rest.

Pushing for higher resistance or longer, more strenuous workouts during a flare can aggravate inflammation. Completely avoiding ROM can lead to stiffness and loss of mobility, and exercising at high volume regardless of symptoms ignores warning signals from the joints.