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Updated: May 29, 2026
04:50
Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain
Published on: May 16, 2025
Painful rheumatoid arthritis
Howard S Smith1, Alyssa R Smith, Pya Seidner
1Albany Medical College, Department of Anesthesiology, Albany, NY 12208, USA.
Pain Physician
|September 20, 2011
Summary
Biologic agents and combined therapies like etanercept and methotrexate show promise in managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by targeting underlying pathophysiology and improving T-cell imbalances. This offers hope for better pain management and quality of life in RA patients.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a debilitating autoimmune disease causing severe pain and functional decline.
- Recent advances have deepened the understanding of RA pathophysiology.
- Biologic agents have emerged as significant therapeutic options for RA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current concepts in rheumatoid arthritis pathophysiology and treatment.
- To familiarize interventional pain specialists with RA management strategies.
- To highlight the role of biologic agents and combination therapies.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of existing literature on rheumatoid arthritis.
- Discussion of biologic agents targeting specific inflammatory pathways.
- Exploration of combination therapies, such as etanercept and methotrexate.
Main Results:
- Biologic agents include TNF-alpha inhibitors, IL-1 blockers, B-cell antibodies, T-cell costimulation blockers, and IL-6 inhibitors.
- Combined etanercept and methotrexate may correct Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg cell imbalances in RA.
- Improvements in T-cell ratios correlate with reduced RA severity.
Conclusions:
- Targeted therapies offer new possibilities for managing rheumatoid arthritis.
- Pain specialists play a role in managing refractory RA due to severe pain.
- Understanding RA pathophysiology and treatment is crucial for interdisciplinary pain management.
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