All living well guides
Exercise
Exercising Through a Flare
You can stay active during a flare by changing what you do, not stopping completely.
Video lesson
Why it matters
Complete rest leads to stiffness and muscle loss within days. Gentle movement keeps joints mobile and helps you recover faster once the flare settles.
What you can do
Switch to range-of-motion exercises, gentle stretching and water exercise. Rest the most inflamed joints, keep the rest of your body moving, and return to your usual routine gradually as swelling eases.
Call your care team if
A flare lasts more than a few days, a joint is suddenly hot and very swollen, or you have a fever.
At a glance
Topic
Exercise
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.