Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition in which the immune system attacks and damages the linings of some of the joints in the body. This can cause destruction of cartilage and other important tissues that lubricate and cushion the joints. It is not known what causes the immune system to attack the joints, though certain kinds of infections may trigger this abnormal immune response. Rheumatoid arthritis is marked by progressive joint pain. There are a number of ways to relieve the pain.
Step 1
Apply heat and cold. Heat can be applied using heat packs, which can be purchased from most drug stores, or by taking a hot bath, according to the Mayo Clinic. The heat will help loosen stiff joints. Cold, on the other hand, can help numb the affected tissue and dull the pain. Cold packs can be purchased from drug stores or can be made by filling a plastic bag with ice and then wrapping a washcloth around the bag.
Step 2
Take over-the-counter pain relievers. Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen are all medications that can be used to help relieve the pain from rheumatoid arthritis, Family Doctor says. Even though these medications can be purchased without a prescription, they should not be used in high quantities because they can cause serious side effects.
Step 3
Take corticosteroids. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are drugs that can be used to relieve inflammation. These drugs work by suppressing the immune system. Because an overactive immune system is the cause of rheumatoid arthritis, these compounds can provide relief and slow the progression of the disease. Corticosteroids should not be used for long-term treatment, however, because they can cause swelling of the face, diabetes, osteoporosis and obesity. Corticosteroids can be taken orally or given as an injection directly into the affected joint.
Step 4
Use disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. These medications, which are also known as DMARDs, are the most effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Not only can DMARDs help reduce pain from this form of arthritis, they can also slow the progression of the disease. Methotrexate, which is one commonly prescribed DMARD, is also used to treat some kinds of cancer and inhibits the ability of the bone marrow to make new immune cells. Other forms of DMARDs work by blocking the chemical signals that mediate inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. These kinds of DMARDs, which include infliximab and etanercept, are usually given by injection.
Step 5
Receive surgery. Surgery can be used to help repair some of the damage to the affected joints, according to the Patient Education Institute. Surgeons can remove scar tissue and eliminate inflamed cartilage, which will help relieve joint stiffness and pain. Alternatively, patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis may be candidates for joint replacement surgery in which the affected joint is replaced with a prosthesis.
