If you have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, you are probably no stranger to pain. Rheumatoid arthritis can be a very painful condition, but there are certain steps you can take to reduce the amount of pain caused by RA.

There is currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment for the condition hinges on two factors: immediate pain relief to make the sufferer more comfortable right now and long-term treatment that will reduce the amount of future joint damage.

Immediate treatment involves rheumatoid arthritis pain relief. One type of medication which can be used for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief is the family of NSAID drugs. These medications help with not only pain relief, but inflammation as well. Since inflammation is a main symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, this can be a huge benefit.

Although many NSAIDs are available by prescription only, there are several over-the-counter varieties to try. Aspirin and ibuprofen are commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief, although you should be very careful when taking a prescription NSAID drug; taking more than one NSAID at a time can cause heartburn and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Another type of drug used in rheumatoid arthritis pain relief is the corticosteroid. This type of drug is not a pain reliever; it helps relieve the severe inflammation that can occur in the joints of a person suffering from RA.

Other pain relievers referred to as Cox-2 inhibitors were popular in North America for a while, but have recently been linked to some very negative side effects, including heart problems. Whether or not to use this type of drug for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief is a decision that you and your doctor will have to make together.

It may sound counterintuitive, but one of the best methods of rheumatoid arthritis pain relief is regular exercise. Staying active and moving around keeps your joints healthy and your muscles strong.

Of course, rheumatoid arthritis pain relief is not the only part of the treatment for this disorder. Increasing the patient's long-term health and trying to reduce the effects of rheumatoid arthritis are another very important component in the treatment of RA patients.

Some medications which can help with that are DMARDs, which help to stop the body's immune system from attacking the joints. These can only be obtained through a prescription and may potentially cause harmful side effects.

There are many types of rheumatoid arthritis pain relief as well as long-term solutions. If you discuss your options with your doctor, you can work together to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.