What are the Options for Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Relief?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition of swelling and pain in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is different from other kinds of arthritis because it always attacks both sides of the body – for instance both wrists or both knees will be affected, never just one.

Unfortunately rheumatoid arthritis can’t be cured, but there are a number of treatments available to stop it from getting worse, and to treat the symptoms.

In particular, there are a wide variety of options for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief, from medications to alternative medicine, to simple things that can be done at home.

Medications

There are four categories of medications for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief: NSAIDS, selective NSAIDS, acetaminophen and corticosteroids.

NSAIDS and selective NSAIDS both work by stopping the body from producing some pain causing chemicals called prostaglandins. This results in relief from pain, and reduced swelling. A common side effect of NSAIDS is stomach problems, particularly ulcers. Selective NSAIDS are less likely to have these side-effects, but they still occur.

Acetaminophen (aka Tylenol) is an over the counter pain reliever that is not as strong as some other pain relief medication for rheumatoid arthritis, but also has none of the side effects if taken as directed, which makes it a good medication for daily pain relief.

Corticosteroids are some of the strongest rheumatoid arthritis pain relief available. However, it has significant side effects, and is best used for a short time to treat flare ups. In severe rheumatoid arthritis, it may be necessary to take corticosteroids more frequently, in which case a physician should monitor regularly for signs of side effects.

Alternative Medicine

Acupuncture, aromatherapy and some nutritional supplements, including omega-3, borage seed oil and thunder god vine, have been shown to reduce join pain. It is important to speak with a doctor before starting alternative medicine treatments, as some alternative medicine, especially some nutritional supplements, may react badly with medications.

Home Remedies

The best home remedy for immediate rheumatoid arthritis pain relief is a hot or cold pad. Each has a slightly different effect. Heat will increase blood flow and relax muscles, cold reduces swelling and inflammation. Which works best depends on the individual.

Exercise is a surprisingly powerful home remedy for rheumatoid arthritis. While the pain may make it seem like moving around is a bad idea, regular exercise will reduce pain and flare-ups over time. It’s important not to push too hard, but stick to moderate exercise that warms the muscles and increases circulation.