While there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), massage, supplements, and medications such as corticosteroids are some ways you can manage pain during flare-ups.
If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a healthy diet, stress management, regular exercise, and other remedies can help improve your quality of life.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications and complementary treatments can also help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Keep reading to learn more about these and other ways to relieve your RA pain.
A 2018 study suggests that poor sleep quality influences levels of pain and your ability to move.
For most adults, the CDC recommends
Exercise may reduce symptoms and make day-to-day tasks easier in people with RA.
You may consider adding the following exercises to your routine:
A physical therapist can show you how to practice these exercises on your own.
A 2018 research review found that acupuncture may improve function and quality of life for people with RA. The process involves the use of fine needles on pressure points in various parts of the body.
Acupuncture usually has few or no complications. However, you should still talk to your doctor before starting treatment.
Massage can be done by a trained therapist, a family member, or by yourself, and may improve RA symptoms.
A 2022 study found that, in those with RA, Swedish massage was effective in decreasing both pain and the need to use painkillers.
Strong pressure may be painful. Tell your therapist if you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort during the massage so that they can make adjustments.
Mindfulness meditation involves being aware of your thoughts, emotions, and breathing.
A 2020 research review indicated that mindfulness interventions may reduce pain intensity, depression, and other RA symptoms. However, more research is needed.
Sitting in one position to practice mindfulness meditation may be painful for those with RA. Talk with your instructor about modifications to help you be comfortable.
A 2023 review found that peer support groups were associated with improved quality of life for people with RA. However, higher quality studies are needed.
Online groups may also be effective. In one 2020 study, members in a support group on Facebook shared information with each other and expressed appreciation for the online social support.
A research review from 2017 suggested that diet may slow RA progression and decrease damage to joints. It recommended foods with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, such as:
- raw or lightly cooked vegetables
- spices, including turmeric and ginger
- fruit
- yogurt
The review also suggested avoiding or limiting processed foods, sugar, and animal products.
A 2021 study found that probiotics may be associated with decreased disease activity in RA. On the other hand, a 2017 research review found no difference between probiotic supplements and a placebo on RA.
More research is needed on the effect of probiotics on RA.
A 2018 research review found that omega-3 fatty acids—found in fish oil—are associated with a reduction in RA disease activity markers and inflammation markers.
Another review from 2018 also indicated that fish oil supplements may reduce inflammation and delay the need for medication.
Check with your doctor before trying fish oil supplements, as they can interfere with certain medications.
A 2024 study found that evening primrose oil had a mixed effect on RA symptoms, with some individuals reporting significant improvement and others experiencing no changes.
According to the
Talk to your doctor before taking evening primrose oil, as it may interact with some medications.
A 2018 research review suggests that thunder god vine supplements may help reduce inflammation. Still, more research is needed on long-term effects and safety.
Talk to your doctor before trying thunder god vine, as it can be poisonous if it isn’t prepared correctly.
Heat therapy can soothe stiff joints and enhance circulation. Cold therapy is best for acute pain, as it can reduce swelling and dull pain.
Heat treatments for RA can include using a heating pad on affected joints or applying mineral oil to your hands, putting on dishwashing gloves, and placing them in warm water.
Cold treatments for RA may look like holding a frozen bag of vegetables to affected joints or submerging them in ice water.
Heat or cold treatments should not exceed 20 minutes at a time.
There are many assistive devices for RA. You may consider using:
- jar openers
- easy-grip untensils
- reachers
- zipper pulls
- buttoning aids
- shoehorns
- electric can openers
- food processors
- faucet levers
- tap turners
An occupational therapist can make assistive device recommendations and show you how to use them.
Topical treatments can target pain in affected joints. These may contain:
- salicylates
- lidocaine
- menthol/camphor
- capsaicin
- CBD
NSAIDs are also available in topical form, although they may not be as effective as their oral counterparts. Talk to your doctor before using any topicals, even if they are OTC.
OTC nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation. NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
Your doctor can prescribe a more potent dose, if necessary. Prescription NSAIDs include:
- Anaprox (naproxen)
- Celebrex (celecoxib)
- Daypro (oxaprozin)
- Mobic (meloxicam)
- Feldene (piroxicam)
The following types of medications are also used to treat RA:
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These help reduce pain and slow joint damage. They include methotrexate (Trexall), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), and hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil).
- Biologic response modifiers (or biologic agents). These are used if DMARDs are not working. They include abatacept (Orencia), and tocilizumab (Actemra).
- Oral corticosteroids. These provide fast, short-term symptom relief and are often used alongside DMARDs. Prednisone is a corticosteroid.
Hip and knee replacements are the most common operations on large joints for RA. Hand joints can also be replaced to restore mobility and relieve pain.
There are many ways you can reduce pain and inflammation during an RA flare-up, as well as avoid future flares. Some things you can do include hot and cold therapy, taking supplements such as fish oil, and taking medications such as NSAIDs.
It is important to talk to your doctor before starting any new treatment.
