If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, pain relief is likely your primary interest. This degenerative disease can be extremely painful and uncomfortable when it flares up. Basically, rheumatoid arthritis typically affects the joints around the ankles, wrists, fingers and hands.

The tissue that surrounds the joint, called synovial fluid, allows for smooth movement between the bones. Rheumatoid arthritis develops when this fluid becomes damaged, causing inflammation, pain and swelling of the joints. This inflammation can eventually destroy the joint, eating away at the cartilage and bone.

While rheumatoid arthritis is believed to be genetic, the actual triggers for inflammation are unknown. It's considered to be an autoimmune disease caused by an essential malfunctioning of the body's immune system. Development generally occurs after 40, but it can affect people of all ages and is very common.

The Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The most common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is acute pain and swelling in the joints along with a hot sensation and almost burning pain. Also associated with the disease are flu-like symptoms which include general aches, pains and fever. The initial onset of the disease is marked by morning stiffness of the affected joints.

Continue reading to see how this affliction can be treated.

Contemporary Pain Medicine

The medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis are pain relievers like acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs have the added benefit of reducing inflammation as well as pain. Corticosteroids are given orally to treat severe or aggressive forms of the disease.

Physical Therapy as Treatment

Hydrotherapy is often used as a pain management tool with arthritis patients and is done in along with other rheumatoid arthritis pain relief treatments such as heat therapy.

Most physiotherapists recommend regular exercise and joint and muscle strengthening activities. Generally, an easy exercise routine that includes both strengthening and aerobic activity is recommended.

Diet and Supplements

One of the biggest contributors to pain and the rapid onset of rheumatoid arthritis is obesity. If you're overweight, losing weight can be an incredible and very effective way to get your disease under control along with the associated pain.

In addition to relieving pressure on the joints, the diet associated with weight loss can also improve your overall health. Finally, fish oil and flaxseed oil are critical anti-inflammatories that can be very helpful.

Bryonia

Bryonia is a homeopathic treatment designed to reduce the heat and swelling of joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis. It's a natural arthritis pain relief treatment that's also believed to regulate toxicity levels in the joints and therefore reduce instances of inflammation.

Applying pressure and support to the tender joints gives some relief while light touch feels uncomfortable.