what is the best pain relief for rheumatoid arthritis

There are several types of medication that can help relieve pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The most common type of medication used to manage RA pain are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which manage pain, swelling, and stiffness. Some examples of NSAIDs include celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) . Steroids, such as prednisone, can also help reduce pain and swelling in the affected joints and can be injected directly into the joints affected by RA. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can reduce inflammation in the body, which prevents joint damage and relieves the symptoms. Methotrexate is usually the first medicine given for RA, often with another DMARD and a short course of steroids (corticosteroids) to relieve symptoms. In addition to medication, other strategies to relieve pain associated with RA include physical therapy, heat or ice packs, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) . It is important to consult with a doctor to determine the best course of treatment for RA pain relief.