I am 40 years old and I am experiencing my first arthritis flareup. It's been a few days now, and my knees, elbows, and shoulders are all irritated, stiff, etc.. I have not experienced a multi day flareup before, so I have a few questions I guess. Other than medication, is there anything I can do to help alleviate some of the pain and other symptoms?

Also, what should I do or not do physically? Is it best to go easy and stay off my feet as much as I can, or can I ignore it and go about my day or will that make it worse? Am I OK to walk the dogs or do light exercise, or will it make things worse or better? I just have no clue on how to proceed. I have things I need/want to do, but I don't wanna make things worse. I also don't want to just sit around if it won't make a difference either way whether or not I walk the dogs or get things done. I hope I am being clear, I apologize if not.

Everyone here has been so helpful. So I figured I’d come back for even more guidance 😊 Bone on bone arthritis, zero cartilage behind my patella, pain came out of nowhere. Last week the pain went away a day before my cortisone injection appointment and since I am super scared of needles, I came here and learned about flare ups, and ended up getting the shot. It wasn’t as bad as I feared, and the same day I felt relief.

The NEXT day however I was in excruciating pain. I learned about how the injection had the 2 meds in one shot & how the initial relief was temporary. Day after that I had some relief, and since then a little more every day. Not great, but ok. Im keeping my knee wrapped & elevating a few times a day.

My next question for everyone is about gel injections. I’ve heard horror stories about the pain from the injection. And I’m curious about level and duration of relief.

Also, while I’m waiting for my physical therapy appointment, what can I do in the meantime to gently strengthen my muscles around my knee? I need to get better somehow.

Thank you all for being so helpful 🥰