Some ways to reduce or relieve pain from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include a combination of medication, lifestyle adjustments, and modifications to everyday tasks.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a progressive disease. This means that as it advances, you are more likely to experience pain in various areas of your body outside of your joints.

As such, you may need more than one strategy for managing RA pain.

A variety of treatments can help you find relief from chronic pain. A doctor or healthcare professional may prescribe one or more of the following treatments.

Prescription drugs

The first step toward relieving chronic pain from RA is relieving the inflammation that causes it.

Starting on a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) as soon as possible can help slow disease progression and protect your joints by blocking inflammation.

DMARDs are typically the first medication prescribed for RA. The most common DMARD used for RA is methotrexate.

Aside from DMARDs, other options can include:

  • biologics
  • Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors
  • NSAIDs

It is important to note that NSAIDs are primarily used to manage pain and do not slow disease progression. They are also available in topical form.

When you’re experiencing an RA flare, a doctor may also prescribe corticosteroids to help lower joint pain and swelling quickly. However, they are typically taken in a low dose, short term to avoid side effects.

Steroids can also be given via injection directly into an affected joint. Intra-articular steroid injection works quickly, lowering pain.

Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs

For acute, or “right now” pain, OTC pain relievers, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help.

However, it is important to remember that they are not a replacement for prescription medications. Even though they are available over the counter, it is important to talk with your doctor before starting to take them.

Alternative therapies

If you’re interested in trying alternative therapies for your chronic pain, talk with a doctor or physical therapist about these options:

  • Acupuncture: This form of alternative medicine involves inserting tiny needles into the skin near nerve endings.
  • Massage: Massages may lower pain and increase grip strength. You can even learn self-massage techniques to perform at home.
  • Mindfulness meditation: Utilizing this type of mind-body practice can help lower stress and lessen pain.
  • Tai chi and yoga: These practices may improve strength and flexibility. However, those with advanced RA should exercise caution to ensure they can practice safely and minimize the risk of injury.

These alternative therapies aren’t meant to replace your prescribed RA treatment plan, but they may be used in conjunction to help with symptom relief.

Incorporating lifestyle changes into your overall RA treatment plan can help you manage chronic pain.

Exercise

Gentle, low impact exercise can help reduce pain and improve everyday functioning. RA-friendly activities include:

  • walking
  • stretching
  • swimming
  • cycling

Strength training can help relieve stress on affected joints by strengthening the muscles around them. However, it should be done under the supervision of a physical therapist to ensure proper form and reduce the risk of injury.

Maintain a moderate weight

If you have overweight or obesity, this can add extra strain to already stressed joints. Losing weight can help improve disease activity.

Apply moist heat

Relaxing in a warm bath or soaking hands and feet in warm water can help ease RA pain. You may also consider starting the day with a warm shower to reduce morning stiffness.

Moist heating pads provide direct, penetrating heat to any part of the body. You can find them at many drugstores. Also, a paraffin wax treatment from a local salon or spa may provide relief for some people.

Take a load off

If you have pain when walking, a cane or walker can make a huge difference. These devices can offset a significant portion of your body weight, keeping that strain off of affected joints.

An occupational therapist can also recommend various devices that can relieve joint strain and make everyday tasks, such as cooking, easier to complete.

If a certain activity hurts, it’s probably best to avoid it. However, this doesn’t mean you have to put your whole life on hold. Take time to think about small, everyday changes you can make in your routine to be kinder to your joints.

For instance, consider the following:

  • Have lever-style door handles installed in your home to replace traditional doorknobs.
  • Slide a heavy object instead of lifting it.
  • Hold items in the palms of your hands, rather than gripping them with your fingers.

These and other small adjustments can add up to less pain for you.

Other causes of chronic pain

Chronic pain in RA can also be a result of:

Chronic pain is a common RA symptom. A well-rounded treatment plan that incorporates a mix of medication, lifestyle adjustments, and day-to-day modifications can help you find relief.

If chronic pain is interfering with your life, you’re not alone. Be sure to talk with a healthcare professional about the various medical and nonmedical ways you can lower your pain and get back to living.