This is painful disorder that is characterized by inflammation of the joints and also by severe deformity of the joints in particular the smaller joints such as the fingers, hands, knees and hips.

It can also affect the muscles surrounding the tendons aswell as the ligaments and any other associated tissues.

The condition is known as an autoimmune disorder as it is the immune system which attacks the bodies own tissues for no particular reason and hence causes the pain. The tissues surrounding the joints are attacked thus causing the inflammation and associated pain.

Symptoms

The most common early symptoms are stiffness of the joints. This usually happens firstly in the fingers and feet and is usually experienced first thing in the morning.

In some cases the condition may only affect one or two joints but in others it may affect all the joints in the body.

The condition can affect anyone from babies to elderly people however most often manifests itself in middle aged females.

Treatment

At the onset of this condition, keeping the joints themselves mobile and active may help lessen the severity. As the condition progresses to other joints in the body, this may make mobility less able due to the pain involved.

Pain relief for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Treatment tends to be in the form of helping to adapt and change the way you conduct your life rather than a cure. Occupational therapists can show you devices and medical aids which can show you other ways of doing things and place less strain on your joints.

As for drugs, prescribed and over the counter medication such as anti inflammatory painkillers i.e. ibuprofen can ease the symptoms of pain.
A cold compress applied to the arthritic joint may lessen the pain. This should be left in position of at least 4-8 hours and should heat up the joint within 15 minutes.

Natural Therapies

There are natural therapies available such as ‘devils claw’ which claim to be an anti inflammatory and can be used in the same way as prescribed medication.

Long term prognosis

Once the condition has appeared, it cannot be cured but it can be made less painful and should not stop anyone from living their normal life. A few minor adaptations or different equipment purchased however most people tend to go about their daily life with just minor discomfort.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and neck pain

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause destruction of the joints of the neck and the vertebrae. This can cause stiffness and pain and may result in the pain spreading to other areas such as the shoulder or the lower back.

Jaw pain

As the jaw is one of the joints that is most used rheumatoid arthritis can manifest itself where both jaw bones meet. This condition can affect your eating habits and may result in weight loss due to the pain imposed when having to move these joints to swallow or chew. It can make even the simple task of smiling an impossibility!