Remission, Relapse, and Flares

Remission, Relapse, and Flares

When a person with rheumatoid arthritis has symptoms including joint inflammation and pain, this is called a flare. Flares may last from weeks to months. This can alternate with periods of remission, when symptoms are minimal to nonexistent. Periods of remission can last weeks, months, or even years. After a period of remission, if the symptoms return this is called a relapse. It is common for RA patients to have periods of flares, remissions, and relapses, and the course of the illness varies with each patient.