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Pacing and flare-ups

Weeks 5 to 7

Around this stage many people feel clearly better - and promptly do too much on a good day. The result is often a flare-up: a day or two of more pain and swelling.

A flare-up after increased activity is common and settles with relative rest, ice and your usual routine. It is not a sign of damage.

The skill to practise is pacing: increase activity in small steps, and spread it across the day and the week rather than cramming it into one day.

If a flare-up keeps worsening for more than a couple of days, or comes with the warning signs you know (hot wound, calf pain, fever), contact your clinician - from the app you can also book an online appointment.

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