I am not sure if it is RA flare how can i tell?

Hi . That is a great question and one with no easy answer. Our editorial team wrote this article on what is an RA flare: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/what-is-ra/ra-flare. However, this doesn't tell the whole story. Figuring it out is a more individual thing. Our patient leader Nan wrote here about her efforts to judge: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/flare-or-not. Carla wrote here about hoping a change is flare and not a more serious change: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/pain-progression. Over time, most people learn their individual tell-tail signs. My wife, Kelly Mack (a contributor here), was diagnosed at age two, 46 years ago. Here rheumatologist talks about staying ahead of the pain - meaning to be in touch and try to nip flares in the bud because it is harder to get things back under control if they spiral than to chase it after control is lost. Hopefully others will chime in with their thoughts. Best, Richard (Team Member)