arthritis that comes and goes

Overview

Arthritis that comes and goes is a pattern of joint pain, stiffness, or swelling that changes over time. On some days your joints may feel normal, on other days symptoms flare up. This can happen with several types of arthritis, including inflammatory forms like gout, as well as osteoarthritis with flare-ups. The key is that symptoms are not constant — they appear, improve, and sometimes disappear for a while.

Yes, it is common. Many people with arthritis experience symptoms that come and go. Flare-ups can be triggered by stress, weather changes, overactivity, or sometimes no clear cause at all.

People of all ages can have arthritis that comes and goes, including children. Some types, like gout, are more common in men, while certain inflammatory types are more common in women. It is not limited to older adults, though age can increase the risk of some types.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Joint pain that comes and goes
• Morning stiffness or stiffness after resting
• Swelling in one or more joints
• Warmth or redness around a joint
• Difficulty moving a joint fully
• Feeling unusually tired during a flare

Symptoms in children

• Children may complain of knee pain, ankle pain, or pain in other joints that seems to switch around.
• They might limp or favor one arm or leg, especially after waking up.
• A child might not always say they hurt — sometimes they just become less active or more irritable.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may notice pain and stiffness that are worse with activity and better with rest.
• Flare-ups may last longer and take more time to settle than in younger people.
• There may be a higher risk of falls if joint pain affects balance or mobility.

Causes

Main causes

• Inflammatory arthritis, such as gout (caused by uric acid crystals), pseudogout, or autoimmune conditions like psoriatic arthritis or lupus.
• Osteoarthritis, where wear-and-tear on joints can cause episodes of irritation and pain.
• Reactive arthritis, which sometimes happens after an infection.
• Palindromic rheumatism — a rare type of inflammatory arthritis where symptoms move from joint to joint and then disappear.

Risk factors

• A family history of arthritis or autoimmune disease.
• Getting older — the risk of many joint problems increases with age.
• Being overweight, which puts extra stress on joints.
• A previous joint injury or repeated joint strain.
• Certain metabolic conditions, such as high uric acid levels (but this does not mean you will definitely get gout).
• Smoking, which is linked to a higher risk of some inflammatory joint diseases.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• See a doctor the same day if you have a hot, red, swollen joint — this can be a sign of infection and needs quick treatment.
• If your symptoms start suddenly and are very severe, do not wait to get help.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Make an appointment if you have joint pain, stiffness, or swelling that comes and goes for more than a couple of weeks.
• You should also see a doctor if symptoms are getting worse, lasting longer, or affecting your sleep and daily activities.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, examine your joints, and talk with you about your medical and family history. Because symptoms come and go, it can be very helpful to bring a symptom diary that records when flare-ups happen, how long they last, and what might have triggered them.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to check for inflammation and certain antibodies or uric acid levels.
• Joint fluid analysis — drawing a small amount of fluid from an inflamed joint to look for crystals, signs of inflammation, or infection.
• X-rays or ultrasound to view the bones and soft tissues and check for joint damage.

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor may refer you to a specialist, such as a rheumatologist, if they suspect an inflammatory or autoimmune type of arthritis. The diagnostic process can take time, especially for conditions that come and go, so patience and clear communication with your healthcare team are important.

Treatment

Treatment aims to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and keep you moving well. Many people manage intermittent arthritis very well with a combination of self-care and support from their doctor.

Self-care at home

• Rest the affected joint during a flare, but keep other parts of your body gently moving.
• Use a cold pack on swollen joints or warmth to help ease stiffness.
• Wear comfortable, supportive shoes and consider using a cane or walking stick if it helps your balance.
• Try gentle exercises like stretching, tai chi, or water aerobics to stay flexible without straining joints.

Medical treatments

Your doctor may talk with you about pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medicines to manage flare-ups. For certain types of inflammatory arthritis, they may also discuss treatments that help settle an overactive immune system. Always discuss any medication with your doctor or pharmacist, and never take someone else's prescription medicine.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for arthritis that comes and goes. It may be considered if joint damage becomes severe and other treatments no longer control the pain. Your doctor will discuss options like joint replacement if that ever becomes necessary.

Living with this condition

Living with a condition that comes and goes can be unpredictable. On good days, you may feel completely fine. On bad days, you may need to slow down and change your plans. That is normal — the goal is to listen to your body and pace yourself without giving up the things you love.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay active on good days to keep joints moving and muscles strong.
• Practice stress management — stress can make flare-ups more likely, so try breathing exercises, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.
• Prioritise good sleep, as this helps your body recover and reduces pain sensitivity.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats supports joint health. If you have gout, drinking plenty of water and limiting sugary drinks may help. For exercise, aim for moderate, joint-friendly activities like walking, swimming, or dancing. It is fine to ease off during a flare, but try to resume activity once the joint feels better.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is completely normal to feel frustrated, anxious, or low when you do not know when your next flare-up will happen. Talk to your doctor if you are struggling emotionally. Mental and physical health are closely linked, and taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your joints.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent arthritis that comes and goes, but you can reduce the chance of flare-ups by keeping an active lifestyle, protecting your joints, eating well, avoiding smoking, and following your doctor's advice.

Vaccines

Staying up to date with recommended vaccines may help — some infections can trigger joint symptoms or make arthritis harder to manage. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which vaccines are right for you.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for most types of arthritis. The best approach is to tell your doctor about any changes in your symptoms, especially if they become more frequent or more severe.

Complications

If left untreated

• Uncontrolled inflammation can lead to permanent joint damage over time.
• Long-term pain and stiffness may limit mobility and make everyday tasks harder.
• If the cause is an infection, it can spread and become dangerous without prompt treatment.

Long-term outlook

Many people with intermittent arthritis live full, active lives. With the right diagnosis, support, and self-care, most people are able to control their symptoms and continue doing the things that matter to them. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but there is plenty of reason to be hopeful.

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