My biggest trigger is overdoing - any activity that is huge or makes me over tired creates a flare that I have a hard time getting through. Sitting too long or standing too long also causes triggers. The weather does too and if I eat too many sweets it causes a short trigger that doesn't last long. Finally stress. Those are my triggers. The only thing I have found that helps are heat, medication and rest.

Stress is a huge trigger for me, before I went to a Rheumatologist and was diagnosed my pain levels were about a 7-8 daily. I have changed jobs and got out of a horrible relationship. Now with less stress I'm at about a 3-4 daily. I was also taking antidepressants which helped with anxiety and triggers.

Stress is #1. Physical exertion and it doesn't take much. Too much sitting or standing. Prolonged lack of sleep. Most of these are under control most of the time now but not always. I've been working on it for several years and have found the best treatment strategies etc for me. Never easy but always possible.

Sitting too long or staying in any one position long is about the worst thing i can do. Guess im not alone in that. Also stress and overdoing anything.

I totally agree with the sitting very long, I get so stiff if I sit for more than an hour. Cold weather is a big trigger for me, and yes stress will make you hurt worse as well. Is anyone else taking celebrex? It makes a huge difference for me, periodically I try and come off it for a few days, that's when I realize how much it helps, when I haven't taken it, I hurt twice as bad. I find releave when I walk, but it's a struggle due to my feet pain when wearing any kind of tennis shoes.