Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disorder that mostly affects the small joints in your hands and feet, according to MayoClinic.com. Unlike other types of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, which causes painful swelling and, if not treated, could eventually cause bone erosion and joint deformity. For these reasons, and for the purpose of general comfort, it is important to treat the pain of rheumatoid arthritis rather than ignore it.

Increase Medication

Numerous medications are available to reduce inflammation in the joints, such as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids and immunosuppressants. If you are on medication and are still experiencing frequent spurts of severe pain, or a constant ache, talk to your doctor about switching medications or increasing the medication on days when the pain is worse. According to Healthcentral.com, because people with rheumatoid arthritis tend to experience flare-ups, or random periods of severe pain, increasing medication during those periods could reduce the pain until the flare-up subsides.

Do-It-Yourself Remedies

Aside from medication, do-it-yourself remedies can help lessen the pain. Placing your aching body parts in cold water can relieve the pain, according to Healthcentral.com. Take a cold bath or hold an ice pack over the sore areas of your body. If coldness doesn't help, try heat instead. Massages can relieve some of the pain in your joints temporarily, and though rest is important during severe flare-ups, exercise is also important to keep your joints limber and active, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Walking in a pool is easy on the joints while allowing them to stretch, and Tai Chi classes can improve mobility, breathing and relaxation.

Make Lifestyle Changes

Different types of therapy are available to help and support you as you make changes to your everyday lifestyle. According to MayoClinic.com, occupational therapists can advise you on how to use your hands or feet less in everyday situations, such as pushing a door open by leaning with your body weight instead of pulling with your sore arms or hands. Using certain devices can take away extra stress on the joints, such as canes or gripping tools. Physical therapists can help you stretch your sore joints and can provide you with exercises that will strengthen specific areas of your body.

Source:

Healthcentral.com: How to Reduce Pain During a Flare-up

Arthritis Foundation Life Improvement Series

MayoClinic.com: Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Resource:

How to Help Relieve Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain

Old Folk-Home Remedies To Relieve Arthritis And Rheumatism