Candy really gives a sugar shock to the system. It sets off my PN pain a lot. Since arthritis is an inflammatory process, sugar uptake might affect it the same way.

My primary care physician recommended eating a few nuts after eating candy or fruit to slow down the sugar uptake. Of course, if you don't eat more than 1 or 2 candies at a sitting you can sin and be virtuous at the same time .

I hope you feel better soon.