Pain management in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common inflammatory conditions in the United States affecting approximately 1 million adults. This article briefly reviews the evidence-based diagnosis of RA, mainstays of treatment to prevent joint destruction, and pain management. Pharmacologic management of RA should first consist of disease-modifying agent(s), such as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and possibly corticosteroids. Treatment of inflammation and pain is the second focus of pharmacologic therapy and often achieved with NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and other adjunct therapies.The article also reviews the pros and cons of other treatments such as topical capsaicin, acetaminophen, opioids, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants, and nonpharmacologic, complementary and alternative medicine.

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