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Rheumatoid arthritis flares can be painful. However, the pain can be managed through various medications, physical therapy and adaptive devices, and alternative treatments.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you may experience points of remission when the pain is not as noticeable. But with flares, the pain can be debilitating.

Keep reading to learn about some ways you can manage your pain during a flare-up.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the most frequently used pain relievers for RA. These may have been prescribed when you originally received your diagnosis.

You could also be using over-the-counter (OTC) versions of NSAIDs. NSAIDs can alleviate pain and decrease symptoms of inflammation.

Keep in mind that OTC NSAIDs are generally a lower dose than those that are prescribed.

It is important to speak with your doctor before starting on any NSAIDs, even if they are OTC. Although it is rare, NSAIDs can increase the risk of serious stomach problems, such as internal bleeding.

Your doctor will be able to give you a medication with your individual needs in mind. It is also important to tell your doctor if you experience side effects like stomach upset when you take NSAIDs.

Corticosteroids

Your rheumatologist may also prescribe a brief course of corticosteroids. These medications work to diminish inflammation and pain quickly. You may be prescribed a corticosteroid for relief of more acute symptoms, such as during a flare.

Side effects of corticosteroids may include:

Taking steroids for long periods of time can increase the risk of these side effects. Doctors often prescribe a corticosteroid at a low dose with a plan to taper off the medication gradually in order to avoid this risk.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics are RA drugs that preserve joints by blocking joint inflammation.

While they are not pain medications, over time, DMARDs and biologics can reduce pain and make RA flares less debilitating. They also have the important effect of slowing the progression of destruction to joints.

DMARDs work by suppressing your immune system to manage inflammation. Thus, some side effects include:

If you experience any of these side effects, it is important to talk to your doctor right away.

The goal of physical therapy for rheumatoid arthritis is to:

  • improve the mobility of affected joints
  • increase your strength to support the joints
  • maintain fitness
  • preserve the ability to perform daily tasks

A physical therapist may suggest new techniques for accomplishing daily tasks, methods that will be less impactful on joints during a flare. They can also recommend changes you can make to your environment to relieve pain.

To avoid stressing vulnerable joints, assistive devices are another means of making daily functioning easier and less painful. A physical therapist can recommend these devices and show you how to use them.

For example, kitchen knives with saw handles help protect finger and wrist joints so you can continue to prepare food during a flare.

A number of alternative and home treatments may calm RA pain. These aren’t meant to replace medications, but they might help relieve some of your symptoms.

Warmth

A hot shower or bath, heated clothing, heat packs, or warming lotions can all provide temporary relief to localized areas as well as your body in general.

Fish oil

Fish oil could be helpful in decreasing joint tenderness, and it may help with depression. Fish oil might not be safe to take with certain medicines, so ask your doctor before you add it to your diet.

Plant oils

Pain and morning stiffness from RA may be helped by a type of fatty acid contained in the oil from seeds of evening primrose, borage, and black currant plants, taken as a supplement.

Plant oils can interact with your prescription medicines, so talk to your doctor before you take them.

Acupuncture

Research suggests that acupuncture may relieve pain and improve the quality of life in individuals with RA.

There are several different types of acupuncture, and not all of them are suited for every situation. It is important to talk to your doctor before starting any type of acupuncture. They can advise you on which types are safe for you to pursue.

RA flares can be painful and make it hard to complete everyday tasks. However, it can be helpful to identify pain relief methods that work for you and make a plan for what to do when you are having one.

Medications like NSAIDs can provide prompt relief during a flare. Physical therapy and alternative treatments, such as taking a hot shower or trying acupuncture, may also help reduce the pain from a flare.

It is important to talk to your doctor before trying any new treatments. They will be able to help you make an informed decision based on your own individual needs.