How to Relieve Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain

There are many different types of arthritis, and it can be confusing for patients when discussing these types. Many patients suffer from a form of arthritis that is actually an auto-immune disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is classified as an auto-immune disease because of the way that the body is attacking its own healthy tissue. All auto-immune diseases have this in common, and in rheumatoid arthritis, the body is attacking the healthy joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis is extremely painful and causes many patients to become disabled. The disease takes the joints and causes them to swell and then become deformed so a patient may not be able to use their hands or even walk due to this disease. It is essential for patients with rheumatoid arthritis to find rheumatoid arthritis pain relief so that they can continue with their day to day lives.

Seeking Medical Intervention

For many patients seeking rheumatoid arthritis pain relief, seeing a physician is the only way to truly obtain any relief. Rheumatoid arthritis pain relief can involve several treatment plans.

Rheumatoid arthritis pain relief may include a medication that can be taken to help with the inflammation that is caused by the joints swelling. These medications are classified as disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Some of these medications are known under their trade names as Plaquenil, Arava, Imuran and Minocin to name a few.

This form of rheumatoid arthritis pain relief is often combined with other medications to help with the pain. These may include steroid injections into the joints or steroids taken orally. Other medications that help with pain include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. These of course, contain no steroids but can still assist with the pain and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

Some patients are given medications called "biologic agents" that not only help with the inflammation, but also help the immune system to stop attacking the body. These rheumatoid arthritis pain relief medications are known by names such as Enberel, Humira and Remicade to list a few.

A physician, usually a rheumatologist, will determine the best path for a patient to proceed. Often the medications need to be altered and there doesn't seem to be a one size fits all program for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis pain relief can take some time, and it can be difficult for a patient that is in a lot pain to cope. Talk with your physician about how your medications are working and be proactive in your health care.